An Examination of Traditional Birth Attendants and Maternal Health Outcomes in Taraba State
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Background of the Study
Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) have long played a central role in maternal care in rural and underserved areas of Nigeria, including Taraba State. Despite global advances in maternal healthcare, a significant proportion of Nigerian women, particularly in remote regions, continue to rely on TBAs for prenatal, delivery, and postnatal care. TBAs often provide culturally acceptable, affordable, and accessible maternity care, filling gaps where formal healthcare systems are lacking. However, concerns about the safety and quality of care provided by TBAs persist, particularly in the context of maternal mortality and obstetric complications.
Taraba State, located in northeastern Nigeria, has one of the country’s highest maternal mortality rates, driven by limited healthcare infrastructure, poverty, and cultural practices that discourage facility-based deliveries. While state and national policies advocate for skilled birth attendance, many women in Taraba continue to deliver at home with the assistance of TBAs, reflecting deep-rooted cultural norms and mistrust of formal healthcare institutions.
This study seeks to examine the role of TBAs in maternal health outcomes in Taraba State, evaluating both the positive and negative impacts of their services. By understanding the factors that drive women’s reliance on TBAs and identifying strategies to improve collaboration between TBAs and formal healthcare providers, the research aims to offer practical solutions for reducing maternal mortality and improving reproductive health in the region.
Statement of the Problem
Despite efforts to promote skilled birth attendance, maternal mortality rates in Taraba State remain high, with many women continuing to seek care from TBAs rather than trained healthcare professionals. While TBAs often provide emotional support, traditional remedies, and community-based care, the lack of formal medical training among many TBAs poses serious risks, including delays in recognizing obstetric emergencies and the absence of sterile delivery practices.
The ongoing reliance on TBAs, combined with the limited integration of traditional and formal healthcare systems, creates a critical gap in maternal healthcare delivery. Without a clear understanding of how TBAs influence maternal health outcomes, efforts to improve maternal survival in Taraba State may remain fragmented and ineffective. This study seeks to evaluate the impact of TBAs on maternal health outcomes, providing evidence to inform policy and practice.
Objectives of the Study
- To assess the prevalence of TBA-assisted deliveries in Taraba State.
- To evaluate the impact of TBA care on maternal health outcomes.
- To identify opportunities for improving collaboration between TBAs and formal healthcare providers in Taraba State.
Research Questions
- What proportion of deliveries in Taraba State are assisted by Traditional Birth Attendants?
- How do maternal health outcomes differ between TBA-assisted and facility-based deliveries?
- What strategies can be employed to enhance collaboration between TBAs and formal healthcare providers?
Research Hypotheses
- TBA-assisted deliveries are associated with higher maternal morbidity and mortality rates than facility-based deliveries.
- Socio-cultural factors significantly influence women’s preference for TBA care in Taraba State.
- Collaborative models between TBAs and formal healthcare providers can improve maternal health outcomes.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study focuses on maternal health outcomes among women who deliver with the assistance of TBAs in Taraba State. The research will include interviews with TBAs, healthcare providers, and mothers, providing a comprehensive view of maternal care practices. Limitations include potential biases in self-reported health outcomes and the challenge of accessing remote communities.
Definitions of Terms
- Traditional Birth Attendant (TBA): A person who assists women during childbirth, typically with informal training and based within the community.
- Maternal Health Outcomes: Indicators of a mother’s health during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period, including rates of morbidity and mortality.
- Skilled Birth Attendance: Care provided during childbirth by health professionals such as doctors, midwives, or nurses, trained to manage normal deliveries and obstetric emergencies.
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