Progresses and Challenges of Utilizing Traditional Birth Attendants in Maternal and Child Health in Nigeria

Authors

  • Ndidiamaka Amutah-Onukagha, PhD, MPH Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Tufts University, School of Medicine, 136 Harrison Avenue Boston, MA 02111, USA
  • Monica Rodriguez, MPH Department of Public Health, Montclair State University, 1 Normal Avenue, University Hall Room 4162, Montclair NJ 07043, USA
  • Ijeoma Opara, MPH, MSW Department of Family Science and Human Development, Montclair State University, 1 Normal Avenue, University Hall Room 4040, Montclair NJ 07043, USA
  • Michelle Gardner, MPH Department of Public Health, Montclair State University, 1 Normal Avenue, University Hall Room 4162, Montclair NJ 07043, USA
  • Maame Araba Assan, BS Department of Public Health, Montclair State University, 1 Normal Avenue, University Hall Room 4162, Montclair NJ 07043, USA
  • Rodney Hammond, MPH Department of Public Health, Montclair State University, 1 Normal Avenue, University Hall Room 4162, Montclair NJ 07043, USA
  • Jesus Plata, BS Department of Public Health, Montclair State University, 1 Normal Avenue, University Hall Room 4162, Montclair NJ 07043, USA
  • Kimberly Pierre, BS Department of Public Health, Montclair State University, 1 Normal Avenue, University Hall Room 4162, Montclair NJ 07043, USA
  • Ehsan Farag, BS Department of Public Health, Montclair State University, 1 Normal Avenue, University Hall Room 4162, Montclair NJ 07043, USA

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21106/ijma.216

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Despite advances in modern healthcare, Traditional Birth Attendants (TBA) have continued to be heavily utilized in rural communities in Nigeria. Major disparities in maternal health care in Nigeria remain present despite the goal of the United Nations Millennium Development Goal to reduce maternal mortality by 2015. The objective of this study is to review the contribution of TBAs in the birthing process in Nigeria, and to examine barriers and opportunities for utilizing TBAs in improving maternal and child health outcomes in Nigeria.

Methods: A literature review of two major electronic databases was conducted using the PRISMA framework to identify English language studies conducted between 2006 and 2016. Inclusion criteria included articles that examined the role of traditional birth attendants as a factor influencing maternal health in Nigeria.

Results: The value of TBAs has not been fully examined as few studies have aimed to examine its potential role in reducing maternal mortality with proper training. Eight manuscripts that were examined highlighted the role of TBAs in maternal health including outcomes of utilizing trained versus non-trained TBAs.

Conclusion and Global Health Implications: Specific areas of training for TBAs that were identified and recommended in review including: recognizing delivery complications, community support for TBA practices through policy, evaluation of TBA training programs and increasing collaboration between healthcare facilities and TBAs. Policies focused on improving access to health services and importantly, formal health education training to TBAs, are required to improve maternal health outcomes and underserved communities.

Key words: Maternal and Child Health in Nigeria • Traditional birth attendant • Training • Birthing process

© 2017 Amutah-Onukagha et al. Published by Global Health and Education Projects, Inc. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License CC BY 4.0.

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Issue

Vol. 6 No. 2

Section

Original Article

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

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