Using the Lived Experience From Traditional Midwives in Remote Guatemala to Guide Improvement in Maternal Outcomes

Area of Science:

• Maternal Health
• Global Health
• Obstetrics

Background:

• Preeclampsia is a major cause of maternal and infant mortality in Guatemala.
• Home births with traditional midwives (TMs) are common, but TMs often lack formal training on obstetric emergencies like preeclampsia.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the knowledge, skills, and practices of traditional midwives (TMs) regarding preeclampsia in Guatemala.
• To identify opportunities for integrating TMs into healthcare systems for better preeclampsia management.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative study using thematic analysis of focus groups.
• Conducted with 179 TMs in 11 locations in the Petén department, Guatemala.
• Data analyzed using Braun and Clark's thematic analysis approach.

Main Results:

• Six categories emerged: knowledge of signs/symptoms, risk factors, maternal/fetal risks, blood pressure measurement position, BP reading differentiation, and hospital transfer precautions.
• Informal knowledge transfer and experience are significant learning methods for TMs.
• TMs demonstrate a basis for structured education on preeclampsia.

Conclusions:

• Existing informal knowledge among TMs provides a foundation for developing structured education programs.
• Integration of TMs into the healthcare system is crucial for addressing preeclampsia, particularly concerning hospital transfers.