Mmolawa, Oneilwe Gillian M; (1992) Definitions of risk in pregnancy and childbirth: Knowledge, attitudes and practices of pregnant women, men and elder women in Botswana. Masters thesis (M.S), UCL (University College London).

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Abstract

Aim of Study: To investigate traditional beliefs and practices in relation to perceptions of risks in pregnancy and childbirth in Gabane, Botswana. Design: A cross-sectional study using a structured and semi-structured questionnaire and unstructured interviews with pregnant women, men and elder women. Setting: Households in the community and a primary health care clinic for pregnant women. Participants: Thirty pregnant women, thirty men, and thirty elder women in each group making a total of ninety in all. Main Outcome Measures: The community's definitions of risk in pregnancy and childbirth and their knowledge, beliefs and practices. Principal Results: This community's knowledge of obstetrically defined risk indicators for pregnancy and childbirth is limited. Risk factors according to traditional beliefs include wider lifestyle and behavioural characteristics of the pregnant woman, her partner and her carer. Pregnant women's opinion of antenatal services is generally low. The screening value of antenatal care is not clearly understood and communication is poor. Elder women took their pregnant daughters to traditional healers first, but if the condition was considered serious, took them to the 'government' clinic or hospital. Recommendations: There is need for more communication between health services staff and pregnant women, men and elder women regarding the function and value of antenatal visits and regarding danger signs in pregnancy and labour.

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