Open AccessThe need for traditional birth attendants -dayas- in Saudi Arabia
Author(s) -
MonaA Khattab,
Mohib Khan,
Yahia M Al-Khaldi,
M. N. Al-Gamal
Publication year - 2000
Publication title -
eastern mediterranean health journal/eastern mediterranean health journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.442
H-Index - 47
eISSN - 1687-1634
pISSN - 1020-3397
DOI - 10.26719/2000.6.1.13
Subject(s) - medicine , nursing , focus group , developing country , family medicine , business , economic growth , marketing , economics
Preferences of women living in remote areas regarding delivery place and attendant were surveyed, opinions of primary health care [PHC] doctors about traditional birth attendants’ [TBA] maternal care were assessed and training needs for TBAs were identified using questionnaires and a focus group discussion. Home deliveries and TBAs were preferred by approximately 24% and 38% of the women respectively. The fact that they were women and psychological comfort were the main reasons for preferring TBAs. TBAs disclosed many harmful practices. No PHC centre help was sought by 75% of TBAs. Lack of cooperation between PHC centres and TBAs was a concern of most of the doctors. Training and links to PHC services for TBAs are needed