We are delighted to share that On Call Africa NHS Improving Global Health Fellow, Dr Hannah Raval, has been selected as a prize winner for the John Lawson Award from the Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologistics. Dr Raval received her prize for her research into the community perspective on the utilisation of a Maternity Waiting Home in Rural Zambia following the construction of an improved structure by On Call Africa.

You can see the full report here: A-community-perspective-on-the-utilisation-of-a-Maternity-Waiting-Home-in-Rural-Zambia.pdf

Abstract

Aim

To understand the factors relating to poor uptake of the Maternity Waiting Home at Kanyanga Health Post in rural Zambia.

Method

50 in-depth interviews were conducted to establish a cross sectional understanding of the local communities’ views on the old Mother’s Shelter (MS) and the factors affecting its utilisation. Interviews were transcribed and thematic analysis was performed on qualitative data.

Results

Themes were coded as follows: Location of delivery, Perspective on Maternity Waiting Homes, Thoughts on the old MS, Desired features for new MS, Barriers to utilising the MS, Additional Services to be offered at the MS.

100% of antenatal patients stated that the best place to deliver was a health facility, however 46% had previously had home deliveries. Only 44% of the postnatal patients interviewed had used the Mother’s Shelter in their most recent pregnancy. All women discussed the poor conditions at the shelter as preventative factor. Other barriers to access included financial, access to food, transport and family support. All patients stated they plan to use the new improved shelter in a future pregnancy.

Conclusion

Overall, women in the area understood the benefit from attending the MS. However, the major limiting factors were its poor conditions, and financial implications. Where possible, these have been addressed, improving infrastructure and providing beds. Overtime, we hope this will increase the utilisation of the shelter, allowing women in rural areas to access the health facility in a timely manner, ultimately leading to better outcomes for mothers and babies.