Analysis of Village Midwife Utilization Factors

Oct 13, 2025 by leolavanderia.com.br 36 views

Analysis of the Use of Village Midwives by Pregnant Women and Maternity Mothers in Peudada District, Bireuen Regency in 2008

Introduction

Pregnancy and childbirth are significant life events that require proper care and attention. In many rural areas, village midwives play a crucial role in providing maternal health services to pregnant women and new mothers. However, the use of village midwives in these areas is often limited due to various factors. This study aims to analyze the use of village midwives by pregnant women and maternity mothers in Peudada District, Bireuen Regency, which has a high maternal mortality rate.

Background

Peudada Subdistrict in Bireuen Regency, Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam Province, is one of the regions with a high maternal mortality rate, ranking 15th out of 23 other districts. In 2007, the Peudada Health Center reported eight maternal deaths, highlighting the need for improved maternal health services. Despite the importance of village midwives in providing these services, their use in the region is still low, at only 42.9%. In contrast, shamans are still widely used as helpers in childbirth.

Methodology

This study used a purposive sampling method to select 98 pregnant women and maternity mothers from a total population of 454. Data was collected through interviews based on questionnaires and documentation studies from the Peudada Health Center and the Bireuen District Health Office. The Chi-Square test was used to analyze the data with a 95% confidence level (α = 0.05).

Results

The study found that several factors, including the level of education, attitudes, economic conditions, trust values, infrastructure, actions of health workers, and the behavior of community leaders and religious leaders, had a significant relationship with the use of village midwives by pregnant women and maternity mothers. Interestingly, the knowledge and facilities of the service of pregnant women and maternity mothers did not show a significant relationship with the use of village midwives in this region.

Analysis of Village Midwife Utilization Factors

The study highlights the importance of community understanding of the role of midwives in maternal health services. Communities with higher education tend to better understand the importance of health services provided by village midwives, leading to a preference for their services over shamans. A positive attitude towards health services also plays a major role, as people who believe that village midwives can provide good service are more likely to use their services.

A good economic condition allows the community to access health services, including the use of village midwives, as they can allocate a budget for service costs. Good infrastructure is also essential to support the use of village midwives, as easy access to health facilities and the presence of village midwives close to the residence of pregnant and childbirth women can increase public confidence. The involvement of community leaders and religious leaders in supporting the use of village midwife services is also a key factor that can influence community decisions.

Recommendations for Improving Services

To increase the use of village midwives, the Bireuen District Health Office is recommended to improve service facilities for pregnant women and maternity mothers in each village. Strengthening infrastructure support and increasing the accessibility of health services can help pregnant women and maternity mothers trust village midwife services more. Additionally, it is essential for each village midwife to settle in the village in accordance with their placement decree, which will not only increase service availability but also strengthen the relationship between midwives and the community, creating a better mutual trust.

Conclusion

The use of village midwives is crucial in providing maternal health services to pregnant women and new mothers in rural areas. This study highlights the importance of community understanding, positive attitudes, economic conditions, infrastructure, and community leadership in supporting the use of village midwives. By addressing these factors, it is expected that the maternal mortality rate in Peudada District can decrease, and health services for pregnant and childbirth women can be more optimal. With the right attention and action, the use of village midwife services can increase, ultimately contributing to the decline in maternity maternal mortality and improving maternal health in Bireuen Regency.

Limitations of the Study

This study has several limitations. The sample size was relatively small, and the study was conducted in a specific region, which may not be representative of other areas. Additionally, the study relied on self-reported data, which may be subject to biases. Future studies should aim to address these limitations and explore the use of village midwives in other regions.

Future Research Directions

Future research should focus on exploring the effectiveness of village midwives in providing maternal health services, as well as the factors that influence their use. Additionally, studies should investigate the impact of village midwives on maternal mortality rates and the quality of maternal health services. By addressing these research gaps, policymakers and healthcare providers can develop targeted interventions to improve maternal health outcomes in rural areas.

Implications for Policy and Practice

The findings of this study have significant implications for policy and practice. Healthcare providers and policymakers should prioritize the training and deployment of village midwives in rural areas, as well as the improvement of infrastructure and service facilities. Community leaders and religious leaders should also be engaged in promoting the use of village midwives and supporting their services. By working together, we can improve maternal health outcomes and reduce maternal mortality rates in rural areas.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Village Midwives and Maternal Health

Q: What is a village midwife?

A: A village midwife is a trained healthcare professional who provides maternal health services to pregnant women and new mothers in rural areas. They are often the primary source of healthcare for women in these communities, providing essential services such as prenatal care, delivery assistance, and postnatal care.

Q: What are the benefits of using village midwives?

A: Village midwives can provide a range of benefits to pregnant women and new mothers, including:

Improved access to maternal health services
Increased confidence in the healthcare system
Better health outcomes for mothers and babies
Reduced maternal mortality rates
Increased community engagement and participation in healthcare

Q: What are the challenges faced by village midwives?

A: Village midwives often face a range of challenges, including:

Limited access to resources and equipment
Insufficient training and support
Limited community understanding and acceptance of their role
High workload and limited time for each patient
Limited access to healthcare facilities and specialists

Q: How can village midwives be supported?

A: Village midwives can be supported in a number of ways, including:

Providing training and education on maternal health and healthcare delivery
Supplying equipment and resources to improve healthcare delivery
Increasing community awareness and understanding of the role of village midwives
Providing financial support and incentives for village midwives
Improving infrastructure and access to healthcare facilities

Q: What is the role of community leaders in supporting village midwives?

A: Community leaders play a crucial role in supporting village midwives by:

Promoting the use of village midwives and their services
Encouraging community participation and engagement in healthcare
Providing support and resources for village midwives
Advocating for improved healthcare services and infrastructure
Building relationships with healthcare providers and policymakers

Q: How can policymakers support village midwives?

A: Policymakers can support village midwives by:

Developing policies and programs to improve maternal health and healthcare delivery
Increasing funding and resources for village midwives and healthcare services
Improving infrastructure and access to healthcare facilities
Providing training and education for village midwives
Encouraging community engagement and participation in healthcare

Q: What is the impact of village midwives on maternal mortality rates?

A: Village midwives can have a significant impact on maternal mortality rates by:

Providing essential maternal health services
Increasing access to healthcare and reducing delays in seeking care
Improving health outcomes for mothers and babies
Reducing the risk of maternal mortality and morbidity
Increasing community confidence in the healthcare system

Q: How can village midwives be integrated into the healthcare system?

A: Village midwives can be integrated into the healthcare system by:

Providing training and education on maternal health and healthcare delivery
Supplying equipment and resources to improve healthcare delivery
Increasing community awareness and understanding of the role of village midwives
Improving infrastructure and access to healthcare facilities
Building relationships with healthcare providers and policymakers

Q: What is the future of village midwives?

A: The future of village midwives is promising, with increasing recognition of their importance in improving maternal health and healthcare delivery. As the global community continues to prioritize maternal health and healthcare delivery, village midwives are likely to play an increasingly important role in providing essential services to pregnant women and new mothers.