Knowledge Sharing Platforms for Birth Companions in Kakamega County

Abstract

Knowledge platforms support birth companions in communicating effectively to the community and mothers during referrals. The purpose of the study was to investigate the knowledge sharing platforms for birth companions in Kakamega County. The study revealed that barazas (community meetings) were the most preferred/utilized mode of sharing new information on birth companion practices where they provided information to women during the continuum pregnancy antenatal, postpartum and childbirth help reduce maternal mortality rates in the County thus contributing positively to the Universal health care in support of the Big 4 agenda. Radio and television platforms were other effective channels that can enhance access to health facilities in the County and ensure that expectant mothers are assisted during delivery. The study concludes that that there exists a number of knowledge sharing platforms among BCs (birth companions) in Kenya which are effective and provide sustainable interventions to maternal healthcare issues. The study recommends that maternal health knowledge and information dissemination platforms among birth companions including other media interventions in maternal and child health are critical facets of healthcare provision by both national and county governments in Kenya. The findings of this study strongly recommend capitation of birth companions and enhancement of their knowledge sharing platforms, knowing that rigorous research must inform training policy and practice decisions.