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AN ASSESSMENT OF THE AWARENESS AND TREND OF BIRTHPLACE AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN IN THE PERSPECTIVE OF ASSOCIATED OBSTACLES AND DECISION-MAKING FACTORS

Dr. Aiza Khalid, Dr. Maria Risalat, Dr. Muhammad Shahroze Hassan Khan

Objective: To conclude the inclination of pregnant women choosing tertiary care Hospital or home for birthplace. To determine the obstacles influencing in making the decision in selection of birthplace. Methodology: We conducted this expressive research at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Lahore from February to August 2017. During this research we observed (912 pregnant women) visiting prenatal clinics, to acquire data regarding socio-demographic profile. Pregnant women opinions about their first choice for home delivery and hospital care were assessed. Through planned surveys and interviews this data was recorded and evaluated by using SPSS, and which then shown in the form of percentages & frequencies. Results: The number of participants who preferred Hospital birth are 553 (60.63%), out of which 260 (47%) participants core reason for choosing hospital as a birthplaces were safety and good care, 138 (25%) women choose hospitals for better hygiene and 70 (12%) women because of medical advice & services. The number of participants who preferred a home as a birthplace is 359 (39.36%) due to support form relatives like friend or family. A total of 141 (40%) for good care and privacy at home, 135 (38%) due to cost they can save, 44 (12.25%) due to the elders taking care of the newborn at home and 17 (4%) women because of hygiene at their homes. Conclusion: The results showed a significant inclination of participants towards hospital birth because of hygiene, safety, and providing good care. Few percentages of women appeared wishing giving birth at home because of Social pressure, good handling of a newborn at home and cost. Keywords: Homebirth, Birth at Hospitals, Women maternal care choices.

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