The quality of childbirth care in China: women’s voices: a qualitative study

Raven, Joanna ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4112-6959, van den Broek, Nynke ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8523-2684, Tao, Fangbiao, Kun, Huang and Tolhurst, Rachel ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3005-6641 (2015) 'The quality of childbirth care in China: women’s voices: a qualitative study'. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, Vol 15, e113.

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Abstract

BACKGROUND:
In the context of improved utilisation of health care and outcomes, rapid socio-economic development and health system reform in China, it is timely to consider the quality of services. Data on quality of maternal health care as experienced by women is limited. This study explores women's expectations and experiences of the quality of childbirth care in rural China.

METHODS:
Thirty five semi-structured interviews and five focus group discussions were conducted with 69 women who had delivered in the past 12 months in hospitals in a rural County in Anhui Province. Data were transcribed, translated and analysed using the framework approach.

RESULTS:
Hospital delivery was preferred because it was considered safe. Home delivery was uncommon and unsupported by the health system. Expectations such as having skilled providers and privacy during childbirth were met. However, most women reported lack of cleanliness, companionship during labour, pain relief, and opportunity to participate in decision making as poor aspects of care. Absence of pain relief is one reason why women may opt for a caesarean section.

CONCLUSIONS:
These findings illustrate that to improve quality of care it is crucial to build accountability and communication between providers, women and their families. Ensuring women's participation in decision making needs to be addressed.

Item Type:	Article
Subjects:	WA Public Health > Health Problems of Special Population Groups > WA 310 Maternal welfare WA Public Health > Health Problems of Special Population Groups > WA 395 Health in developing countries WQ Obstetrics > Childbirth. Prenatal Care > WQ 160 Midwifery WQ Obstetrics > Childbirth. Prenatal Care > WQ 175 Prenatal care WQ Obstetrics > Obstetric Surgical Procedures > WQ 415 Delivery (including preparatory manipulation)
Faculty: Department:	Clinical Sciences & International Health > International Public Health Department
Digital Object Identifer (DOI):	https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-015-0545-9
Depositing User:	Martin Chapman
Date Deposited:	04 Jun 2015 13:47
Last Modified:	08 Sep 2020 10:07
URI:	https://archive.lstmed.ac.uk/id/eprint/5190

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