Identifying the training needs of traditional birth attendants

With the aid of pre-tested, structured, interview questionnaires, 51 traditional birth attendants (TBAs), identified by their certificate of traditional midwifery, were assessed for their knowledge about the care given in pregnancy, labour, and the postnatal period, beliefs and delivery practices including child care, and their attitude towards orthodox midwifery. A total of 22 (43.1%) so identified were found to be practicing traditional midwifery as a full-time job, while 29 (56.9%) were practising on a part-time basis, doing other jobs such as farming and trading. Twenty-two (51.2%) of the male TBAs practised traditional midwifery as a full-time job, while the remaining 21 (48.8%) practised traditional midwifery part-time, along with farming occupation. All the female TBAs practised traditional midwifery part-time with their main occupation such as trading. There was no significant difference between the mean age of male compared with female respondents (59.3+/-15.1 vs. 54.6+/-15.9 years; P = 0.43). Harmful traditional practices, practices that may need verification and areas where training is needed are highlighted. The importance of registration and active supervision of their practices were discussed. The skills that need to be stressed include identification of danger signs in pregnancy and prompt referral of maternal complications. The essence of registration for monitoring of their activities cannot be overemphasized. Findings also revealed that appropriate training could expand their roles in primary health care programmes.