Utilization of rural maternity delivery services in Nawalparasi and Kapilvastu District: A Qualitative Study

Increasing the proportion of births attended by skilled health providers is likely the key factor in reducing maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. Study objectives were to identify key factors influencing the utilization delivery services and stakeholders ’ perceptions about these services. The study utilized focus group discussions and in-depth interviews with a diversity of community members users and nonusers, dalit women and health facility staffs to gain insights about the factors influencing use of trained attendants. Field researchers were trained to use FGD guides and interview schedules, and then gathered information on the perspectives of the women and their families and health staff. In Nawalparasi and Kapilvwastu we conducted a comparative study to compare on factors affecting the volume of delivery services.In Nawalparasi the deliveries in the pervious six months was relatively large number from hospital and PHCC whereas in Kapilvastu the delivery was in smaller number. The vast majority of women planned to have a home delivery attended by relatives and/or a Trained Birth Attendants and to reserve attendance at a health facility as a back-up plan in case of prolonged labor and complications. Ritual pollution considerations interfere with a decision to seek delivery in a facility, especially in the Western Hills. The cost recovery scheme ("incentives") deals with a major factor which inhibits use of health facilities. TBAs can encourage clients to deliver in health facilities. Staffs feel that the large number of vacant positions inhibits availability of services and requires strenuous efforts on their part to cover for vacancies. Key Words: Maternity, delivery, health staf