Who are midwives and traditional birth attendants according to the users in the rural area?


Journal Bina Cendikia Kebidanan
Volume 2 (1), April 2016, page 170-179

Research Report

Indrayani1,2, Romaulina Sipayung3

1Bina Husada Tangerang Midwifery Academy, 2Dewi Sartika Bandung Midwifery Academy, 3Bogor Husada Midwifery Academy

Abstract
Background: Skilled traditional birth attendants as non-health workers (paraji) were risk factors for the incidence of maternal and perinatal mortality. Although the government has provided a birth insurance, rural communities still choose traditional birth attendant as their birth helper. The study aims at investigating women’s perceptions and experiences of birth helped by midwife and traditional birth attendant.
Methods: The qualitative study with phenomenological approach were conducted through in-depth interviews using an interview guide. Data collection was conducted from June to July 2013 at Gajah Mekar Village, Kutawaringin District, Bandung Regency. Sampling was conducted using purposive sampling technique. Total participants involved in this study were 12 women.
Results: This study finds out that childbirth women distinguish maternity services provided by midwives and traditional birth attendants according to ages and appearances, beliefs/cultures, place of having birth, economic, delivery assistance, psychological and physical needs, post-natal care, and the danger/safety in childbirth.
Conclusions: Strong culture in rural communities becomes an obstacle to equitable health care distribution. The government and related education institutions should collaborate in order to improve and enhance the quality of midwives and their services, so that birth assistances by traditional birth attendants can be suppressed.

Keywords: Midwife, services, traditional birth attendant, perspective, service users

Cited:
Indrayani, Sipayung, R. Who are midwife and traditional birth attendant according to the users in the rural area? J Bina Cendikia Keb. 2016;2(1): 170-179.