Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 20, 2026

A Novel Method for Involving Women of Color at High Risk for Preterm Birth in Research Priority Setting
Published on: January 12, 2018
A qualitative study of conceptions and attitudes regarding maternal mortality among traditional birth attendants in
Mattias Rööst1, Sara Johnsdotter, Jerker Liljestrand
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospital MAS, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden.
Objective:
To explore conceptions of obstetric emergency care among traditional birth attendants in rural Guatemala, elucidating social and cultural factors.
Study:
design Qualitative in-depth interview study.
Setting:
Rural Guatemala.
Sample:
Thirteen traditional birth attendants from 11 villages around San Miguel Ixtahuacán, Guatemala.
Method:
Interviews with semi-structured, thematic, open-ended questions. Interview topics were: traditional birth attendants' experiences and conceptions as to the causes of complications, attitudes towards hospital care and referral of obstetric complications.
Main Outcome Measures:
Conceptions of obstetric complications, hospital referrals and maternal mortality among traditional birth attendants.
Results:
Pregnant women rather than traditional birth attendants appear to make the decision on how to handle a complication, based on moralistically and fatalistically influenced thoughts about the nature of complications, in combination with a fear of caesarean section, maltreatment and discrimination at a hospital level. There is a discrepancy between what traditional birth attendants consider appropriate in cases of complications, and the actions they implement to handle them.
Conclusion:
Parameters in the referral system, such as logistics and socio-economic factors, are sometimes subordinated to cultural values by the target group. To have an impact on maternal mortality, bilateral culture-sensitive education should be included in maternal health programs.
Related Concept Videos
Methods Of Healthcare Delivery System
Managed Care System:
The managed care system is designed to control the cost while maintaining the quality of care. The patient's care from admission to discharge is planned by the primary care provider or the case manager, also known as the gatekeeper. In a managed care system, the number of care providers is limited...
Milgram's Obedience to Authority
Development of the Oral Microbiota
Regression Toward the Mean
