In the public health debate on how to reduce maternal deaths, Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) are criticised for being unable to deal with haemorrhages and obstructed labour which account for most maternal deaths. Nonetheless, in rural Cameroon, TBAs continue to practice with significantly high approval ratings of their activities by their clientele. This research used ethnographic methods to explore the following questions: what factors explain the continuous demand and supply of TBAs? Do pregnant women employing their services consider the ‘risks’ involved? How do TBAs themselves perceive their services to society? The findings suggested that; the prevalence of TBAs, use of their services, and clients’ attitudes can be explained by a complex intertwined nexus of fear of HIV/AIDs stigma, gender, cultural beliefs and lack of access to formal health care systems. The TBAs interviewed considered their services as being humanitarian, but rural women interviewees had a more instrumental functional perception. These clients understood the risks involved, but considered TBAs to be relatively reliable safety nets when the formal health care system was seen as spatially or socially inaccessible.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Problem of study
- Methodology
Objectives and Key Themes
This research aims to understand the persistent demand for Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) in rural Cameroon, despite the risks and availability of formal healthcare. It explores the factors contributing to the continued use of TBAs, the perceptions of pregnant women regarding the risks involved, and the TBAs' own understanding of their role in society.
- The complex interplay of factors influencing the demand for and supply of TBA services.
- The perceptions of pregnant women regarding the risks associated with utilizing TBA services.
- The self-perception of TBAs and their understanding of their societal role.
- The impact of cultural beliefs, fear of HIV/AIDS stigma, and access to formal healthcare on maternal health choices.
- The role of TBAs within the broader context of maternal health service provision in rural Cameroon.
Chapter Summaries
Introduction: This chapter introduces the research through a poignant anecdote highlighting the author's personal experience with a TBA in rural Cameroon. It sets the stage by examining the contrasting perceptions of TBA services: one TBA's view of her work as humanitarian, juxtaposed with the more instrumental view held by some of her clients. The chapter establishes the research questions: What explains the persistent use of TBAs? Do women understand the risks? How do TBAs perceive their services?
Problem of study: This chapter delves into the complexities surrounding maternal mortality in rural Cameroon. It highlights the significant contribution of birthing-related complications to maternal deaths and the ongoing debate surrounding the role of TBAs. The chapter presents conflicting views on the effectiveness of training TBAs to reduce maternal mortality, indicating a mixed policy approach in Cameroon. It concludes by stating the research questions focusing on the factors contributing to the persistent demand and supply of TBAs, risk perception among pregnant women, and the TBAs' own views on their societal role.
Methodology: This chapter details the research methodology employed, explaining that the study is part of larger research on community responses to maternal deaths. It describes the ethnographic methods used, the three-month fieldwork in Cameroon (October-December 2011), and the selection of research sites across three regions based on varying access to formal healthcare. The chapter further outlines the diverse participants involved, including TBAs, skilled attendants, and women representing various experiences with maternity care. It lists the types of data collection employed: in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, participant observations, informal group discussions, and key informant interviews.
Keywords
Traditional Birth Attendants, TBAs, humanitarianism, maternal health, formal health care system, accessibility, rural Cameroon, maternal mortality, cultural beliefs, HIV/AIDS stigma, risk perception, ethnographic methods.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview
What is the main topic of this research?
This research investigates the persistent demand for Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) in rural Cameroon despite the availability of formal healthcare and associated risks. It explores the factors influencing this demand, the perceptions of pregnant women regarding the risks, and the TBAs' understanding of their societal role.
What are the key objectives of the study?
The study aims to understand the complex interplay of factors influencing the demand for and supply of TBA services; to explore the perceptions of pregnant women concerning the risks of using TBA services; to examine the self-perception of TBAs and their understanding of their societal role; to analyze the impact of cultural beliefs, fear of HIV/AIDS stigma, and access to formal healthcare on maternal health choices; and to understand the role of TBAs within the broader context of maternal health service provision in rural Cameroon.
What is the methodology used in this research?
The study employs ethnographic methods, including in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, participant observations, informal group discussions, and key informant interviews. Three months of fieldwork were conducted in three regions of Cameroon (October-December 2011) with varying access to formal healthcare. Participants included TBAs, skilled attendants, and women with diverse experiences with maternity care.
What are the main themes explored in the study?
The research explores the persistent use of TBAs, the understanding of risks by pregnant women, the perceptions of TBAs about their services, the complexities of maternal mortality in rural Cameroon, the effectiveness of TBA training, and the impact of cultural beliefs and access to healthcare on maternal health choices.
What are the chapter summaries?
The Introduction sets the stage with a personal anecdote and establishes the research questions. The Problem of study delves into maternal mortality in rural Cameroon and the complexities surrounding TBAs. The Methodology details the research approach and data collection methods.
What are the key words associated with this research?
Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs), humanitarianism, maternal health, formal health care system, accessibility, rural Cameroon, maternal mortality, cultural beliefs, HIV/AIDS stigma, risk perception, ethnographic methods.
What is the overall purpose of this language preview?
This preview provides a comprehensive overview of the research, including the title, table of contents, objectives and key themes, chapter summaries, and keywords. It is intended for academic use and analysis.
- Quote paper
- Glory Manambowoh Lueong (Author), 2013, Humanitarianism among Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs). A case study of selected villages in rural Cameroon, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/265657
