Reasons and factors affecting women's choice of birth place

ABSTRACT

The present study identified the profile of women who choose a home, hospital and/or MCHC beds for birth. It also examined the factors and reasons for choice of place of delivery. A total sample of 114 women recently delivered. Each 38 women were selected randomly and who planned to deliver at home, hospital and the MCHC beds in Tanta. Home births were chosen from health offices. Data was collected by a specially designed interview schedule. The findings of this study revealed that 44.7% of women who delivered at home delivered by TBAs and 47.4% of them delivered by a midwife. No significant difference was observed between the three groups of women who were at risk regarding the age factor X[2]=0.49. Only medical risk and the incidence of complications among women delivered at hospital had influenced the women's choice of birthplace X[2]=12.47 and 6.25. Women who were at risk regarding their parity were more likely to have poor knowledge regarding principles of safe motherhood and maternity care. The psychological and social factors were found to be the main reasons for to plan for home and MCHC delivery. While on the other hand the medico-obstetrical risks were the main reason toward hospital birth. Results of this study reflect the need for increasing the awareness of women of risk factors that may enlighten them for deciding the best place of birth as well as reinforce women with free choice of the maternity care which best Suits their needs