Client's profile of users of traditional birth attendants in Sharkia, Egypt

ABSTRACT

A random samples of 200 women attending the outpatient department of a University Hospital and two maternal child health centers in Zagazig were interviewed during their routine child supervision within the first three months after delivery. The study revealed that the TBA conducted 95 [47.5%] of the deliveries and [68.0%] of the births in the samples took place in a home. Women preferred to have their babies delivered by TBAS because they are easily accessible and provide them with the needed support. With them they feel much more at ease, comfortable and that their labor will be normal. They share with the family the whole experience and they are less expensive. Housewives and illiterate mothers are more likely to prefer TBA. A significant relationship was found between mother choice of birth attendant and their level of social class. Mother's age and parity played a significant role in the choice for birth attendant. Older women and grand multipara were more likely to resort to TBA at the time of birth. Almost half [47.27%] of those who had medico-obstetrical risk were attended by TBA. In most of the groups the TBA was most highly used and nurse midwife was the least used. The underutilization of he nurse midwife needs much attention and further study. Additional training and supervision of the TBA should be provided to maximize the benefits gained from her and to ensure safe motherhood