摘要
Background/Aims:The Saudi Vision 2030 program has introduced midwifery-led maternity care in Saudi Arabia,which includes facilitating planned home births.This study aimed to investigate Saudi midwives’attitudes to planned home birth and the opportunities and challenges associated with its implementation.Methods:The study used a descriptive cross-sectional quantitative study design,including all hospitals of the Saudi Ministry of Health and primary healthcare centers in Saudi Arabia.Data were collected concurrently from 301 midwives through the provider attitude toward planned home birth questionnaire.Descriptive analysis and inferential statistical analyses were used for quantitative data.Results:The midwives had a neutral attitude to planned home birth.There were significant differences in attitude according to age,education and health region.Seven major themes emerged:midwives as care providers,health institutions,academic institutions,national policy,women’s health,the socioeconomic and physical environment and maternal and neonatal health outcomes.Conclusion:Saudi midwives are likely to have a favorable attitude to planned home births if the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Education decision-makers eliminate the associated challenges and promote opportunities for providers,organizations and the population.
