Factors affecting the choice of delivery site and incorporation of traditional birth customs in a refugee camp, Thailand
Ishikawa, N.; Simon, K.; Porter, J.D.H.
International Journal of Gynaecology and Obstetrics the Official Organ of the International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics 78(1): 55-57
2002
ISSN/ISBN: 0020-7292 PMID: 12113973 DOI: 10.1016/s0020-7292(02)00067-xDocument Number: 242524
Focus group discussions, direct observations and structured interviews were conducted among pregnant women and their husbands, traditional birth attendants (TBAs) and hospital staff in a refugee camp in Thailand to determine factors affecting the choice of delivery site. Of 89 women who attended antenatal consultation at the hospital, only 27 (30%) gave birth in the hospital, while the remaining 62 (70%) gave birth at home. The choice of delivery site was not associated with religion, ethnic group, parity, maternal age or maternal education, but was associated with 'the different practices between modern maternal care in the hospital and traditional maternal care at home'. When choosing the site of delivery, psychological and physical support from family and TBAs, and being able to follow the traditional practice had a stronger impact than the fear of complications. Shyness towards male hospital staff, showing of legs and vaginal examination hindered the choice of hospital delivery. Women and their husbands thought that hospital delivery would be more acceptable if the TBA as well as the husband and other family members are allowed to stay with the woman in the delivery room, if they could follow traditional practices, and if only female staff will conduct the delivery. Bridging the existing gaps between home and hospital delivery by combining the advantages of both approaches is needed to ensure a safe delivery for every woman in the camp.
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