JOURNAL OF LIAONING TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY
(NATURAL SCIENCE EDITION)
LIAONING GONGCHENG JISHU DAXUE XUEBAO (ZIRAN KEXUE BAN)
辽宁工程技术大学学报(自然科学版)
ENHANCING HOME BIRTH OUTCOMES: BEST PRACTICES AND EDUCATIONAL STRATEGIES IN AFEGWOM-LAMINGEL VILLAGE
LISHIKAH Adams, Dr. MURTADHO,Alao, ADENIYI,Sarafadeen Diran, TONGDIMA Jaakuk Luka, MANGDIK Christiana Emmanuel
This study aimed to identify and evaluate best practices and educational strategies to enhance the safety and quality of home births in Afegwom-Lamingel Village. A quantitative research approach was adopted, utilizing a structured questionnaire to collect data from 160 women of childbearing age and healthcare providers involved in home births. Stratified random sampling was used to ensure representation across relevant subgroups. Descriptive statistical analysis, including mean scores and standard deviations, was employed to assess respondents' perceptions of various interventions. The findings revealed strong support for several best practices, including the provision of health centres in rural communities (Mean = 4.34, SD = 0.868), the training of traditional birth attendants (Mean = 4.13, SD = 1.155), and the deployment of trained community midwives for home deliveries (Mean = 4.04, SD = 1.140). Additionally, respondents highlighted the importance of graduate and in-service training for birth attendants (Mean = 3.99, SD = 1.264) and community education on assisted home births (Mean = 3.98, SD = 1.327). The results underscore the need for improving healthcare infrastructure, enhancing the skills of birth attendants, and increasing awareness of safe childbirth practices. Based on these findings, the study recommends the implementation of structured training programs for birth attendants, community sensitization on home birth best practices, increased deployment of skilled midwives, and the establishment of well-equipped health centres. These interventions are crucial for improving maternal and neonatal outcomes in rural settings, ensuring safer home births in Afegwom-Lamingel Village..
Keywords: Home Birth Safety, Traditional Birth Attendants, Maternal Health Outcomes, Community Midwifery, Rural Healthcare Infrastructure