Humanitarianism among Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs). A case study of selected villages in rural Cameroon

Research Paper (undergraduate) , 2013 , 20 Pages

Medicine - Other

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.

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• Introduction
• Problem of study
• Methodology
• Research Sites

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This research aims to explore the complex factors contributing to the continued reliance on Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) in rural Cameroon, despite the availability of formal healthcare services. The study seeks to understand the motivations and perceptions of both the TBAs and their clients, particularly in relation to the risks involved and the perceived accessibility and social implications of using formal healthcare.

• The persistent demand and supply of TBA services in rural Cameroon.
• The perceived risks associated with using TBA services by pregnant women.
• The motivations and perceptions of TBAs regarding their role and the humanitarian aspects of their services.
• The impact of cultural beliefs, gender dynamics, and the fear of HIV/AIDS stigma on healthcare choices.
• The role of accessibility, both geographically and socially, in influencing healthcare utilization.

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

Introduction

This chapter introduces the research by highlighting the importance of understanding the dynamics of maternal health service provision in rural Cameroon, where women often choose between TBAs and formal healthcare facilities. The chapter sets the context by emphasizing the high maternal mortality rates in the country and the controversy surrounding the role of TBAs. It introduces the research questions that guide the study: what factors contribute to the persistent demand and supply of TBA services, do pregnant women consider the risks involved, and how do TBAs themselves perceive their services?

Problem of study

This chapter delves into the problem of high maternal mortality rates in rural Cameroon, highlighting the persistent reliance on TBAs despite their inability to effectively handle complications such as haemorrhage, sepsis, eclampsia, obstructed labour, and complications of abortions. The chapter examines the various perspectives on TBAs, including the mainstream policy of training them to improve maternal health, and the contrasting arguments for and against this approach. It emphasizes the persistent controversy surrounding the role of TBAs in rural Cameroon and the need to understand the factors contributing to their continued demand.

Methodology

This chapter outlines the methodology employed in the research, which includes ethnographic methods, such as in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, participant observations, and life history interviews. The chapter details the research sites, including the specific villages in the Northwest, West, and East regions of Cameroon chosen for their varying levels of access to formal healthcare. The chapter concludes by listing the various categories of participants involved in the research, including women who have used both TBAs and skilled attendants, and those who rely solely on one or the other.

• Author: Glory Manambowoh Lueong (Author)
• Publication Year: 2013
• Pages: 20
• Catalog Number: V265657
• ISBN (eBook): 9783656555988
• ISBN (Book): 9783656556152
• Language: English
• Tags: Traditional Birth Attendants, TBAs, humanitarianism, maternal health, formal health care system, accessibility, rural Cameroon.