The Tripartite Link between Knowledge Sharing of Birth Companions on Maternal Health, Indigenous Knowledge and Climate Change

Abstract

Knowledge is considered as justified true belief. It is a condition of knowing fact or something through a combination of skills, experience and understanding values, relative information and expertise. Indigenous knowledge held by Birth Companions and expectant mothers enables them to share knowledge on maternal health care and climate change thereby learn to accommodate any changes likely to be realized during referrals. This paper discusses the tripartite link between knowledge sharing of birth companions on maternal health, indigenous knowledge and climate change. The study used mixed method approach based on a survey design. Data was collected from 782 sampled from a population of 5768 comprising of birth companions, community health volunteers, public health officers, district health officers, matrons and director health services using questionnaires, interview and observation checklists. Qualitative data was analysed using statistical software package (SPSS) to generate descriptive and inferential statistics while the qualitative data was analysed thematically. The study found out that Birth companions use indigenous knowledge to help in massaging expectant mothers and herbal medicinal care to ease the pains during labour. Indigenous knowledge was used to share with expectant mothers on preparation of birth plans and danger signs. The study recommends that birth companions need to be conversant with climate changes in their environments and should make use of the indigenous knowledge while residing in a place for a longer time.