Perceived differences on the role of traditional birth attendants in rural Tanzania: a qualitative study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

In many low to middle income countries, traditional birth attendants (TBAs) play various roles (e.g., provision of health education, referral to hospitals, and delivery support) that can potentially improve women's access to healthcare. In Tanzania, however, the formal healthcare systems have not acknowleded the role of the TBAs. TBAs' contributions are limited and are not well described in policy documents. This study aimed to examine the perspectives of both TBAs and skilled birth attendants (SBAs) to clarify the role of TBAs and issues impacting their inclusion in rural Tanzania.

Methods

We used a qualitative descriptive design with triangulation of investigators, methods, and data sources. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 15 TBAs and focus group di

SUBMITTER: Shimpuku Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7885621 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature