TITLE:
Barriers to Utilization of Postnatal Care: A Qualitative Study in Guinea
AUTHORS:
Mamadou Dioulde Balde, Aissatou Diallo, Anne Marie Soumah, Alpha Oumar Sall, Boubacar Alpha Diallo, Fanta Barry, Amadou Oury Touré, Alpha Amadou Barry, Sadan Camara
KEYWORDS:
Barriers, Postnatal Consultation, Maternal Mortality, Guinea
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology,
Vol.11 No.4,
April
25,
2021
ABSTRACT: Maternal
mortality remains very high in developing countries. In Guinea, it is 550
maternal deaths in 100.000 living birth. More than half of these deaths occur
in the postpartum period. Hence the interests to have a better understanding of
the factors that hinder the realization of post-natal care (PNC) arise. It is
for this reason that the objective of this study is to identify barriers to the
use of post-natal care in Guinea. Methods: A qualitative study was conducted in the prefectures of Kindia and
Dubréka, in the Administrative Region of Kindia (Guinea) in April and May 2014.
Fourteen focus group discussions of women and girls of the community, as well
as fifteen individual in-depth interviews (9 with women and 6 with healthcare providers). Results: Most women do their PNC
during their child vaccination or in case of postpartum complications.
Financial constraints are the main barrier to using postnatal care identified by participants. In
general, distance from the health center associated with lack of transport mean
and insufficient staffs are factors related to the health system. In addition,
poor reception of clients, women’s experience during childbirth, poor programming for PNC as well as the
lack of trust and confidentiality between clients and health care providers are
the barriers related to health providers. The participants also mentioned the
lack of sensitization and information as well as cultural constraints as
barriers to using post-natal care. Conclusion: The removal of these barriers in the
use of PNC will significantly reduce maternal and neonatal mortality in Guinea.