Abstract:
Introduction: Women have different perspectives of the meaning of quality care
during childbirth in hospital. Women will tend to avoid hospital birth if the care
provided does not meet these perspectives. The researcher sought to determine what
women consider quality care during childbirth in the hospital.
Study setting: The study was carried out in the postnatal section of Riley motherbaby
hospital of Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, Eldoret Kenya.
Purpose: To explore and describe the perspectives of women on the meaning of
quality care during childbirth in hospital.
Methods: A qualitative method using exploratory descriptive design was applied. Indepth
interviews were used in collecting data from 14 mothers who had hospital birth.
The interviews were audio recorded and field notes taken.
Data analysis Audio recorded data was transcribed into Ms Word. Analytic
triangulation was done using NVIVO 8 software and Tesch’s method of qualitative
analysis. The interviews were read; emerging ideas were identified, and then grouped
into subthemes, which were further categorized to generate themes.
Results: presence of caregiver, less frequent examinations, promptness, warmth, pain
relief, cleanliness and nutritional care emerged as subthemes and were categorized
under the theme of caring. Information and positive relationship emerged as themes
that define quality. Clear instructions and frequent information on progress of labour
emerged as subthemes defining information as a theme. Attention to individual needs,
understanding the mother and a friendly attitude of the care provider emerged as
subthemes that were further categorized under the theme of positive relationship.
Conclusion: Quality care during childbirth in hospital is determined by the caring
aspects, information given to the mothers and the degree of positive relationship
between the caregiver and the mother.
Recommendation: Individual perspectives of quality care for every mother in labour
should be considered when providing care to meet the needs of the client.
