Barriers to Utilization of Postnatal Care: A Qualitative Study in Guinea

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.

Women’s Knowledge and Attitudes about Complications during Pregnancy and Childbirth in Guinea

Introduction: Maternal mortality remains a major public health problem in the world. Complications during pregnancy and childbirth are the main causes of maternal mortality in low-income countries. It is estimated that 15% of deaths are related to these complications. Studies have shown that women have little or no acquaintance on sign danger and complications during pregnancy and childbirth. Limited literature exists on women’s knowledge and attitudes about pregnancy and childbirth’s complications as well as the barriers for their management, therefore necessity to carry out this study. Objective: To explore women’s knowledge and attitudes in the community about complications during pregnancy and childbirth. Method: A qualitative study was conducted in three prefectures of Guinea. Eighteen focus groups were conducted with women of reproductive age living in urban and rural areas. Results: Complications during pregnancy and childbirth are common among pregnant women in Guinea. Many women have knowledge about various sorts of complications related to pregnancy and childbirth. These complications were mostly vaginal bleeding, abortions and maternal mortality. The use of a health facility in case of complications during pregnancy and childbirth was reported as a major attitude in this study. Accompanying the woman to the health facility was another attitude identified. Lack of financial means, the distance from the health facilities and the lack of means of transport were listed as barriers to the management of complications during pregnancy and childbirth. Conclusion: This study showed that women’s knowledge and attitudes about obstetric complications are insufficient. To that effect, women counselling during prenatal consultations on the risks of complications and especially the identification of sign danger during pregnancy and childbirth is essential to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality in our less equipped countries.