Knowledge Sharing Attitudes and Practices Among Birth Companions on Maternal Health in Kakamega County, Kenya

Abstract

Safety and stability of expectant mothers during and after delivery is the most delicate healthcare period that accounts for most reported maternal deaths in Kenya. In Africa, Birth companions (BCs) are individuals preferred by expectant mothers to provide continuous support during the entire expectancy period. Birth companions therefore offer invaluable cardinal support to expectant mothers which compliment universal health care system in cases where knowledge sharing is embraced thereby mitigating potential maternal deaths. Traditional knowledge is a conservative aspect of African life that includes birth companion’s knowledge. Knowledge sharing in African setting is treated confidentially depending on age and culture hence not universal. The purpose of this study was to evaluate knowledge sharing attitudes and practices among birth companions on maternal health in Kakamega County. The specific objectives were to examine types of knowledge shared by birth companions; assess knowledge platforms for birth companions and their contributions to health systems in Kakamega county; explore the knowledge attitudes and practices of birth companions on maternal health in Kakamega county; establish the opportunities for birth companions on knowledge sharing on safe deliveries in Kakamega County; investigate the challenges facing birth companions on knowledge sharing with mothers and develop a framework for knowledge sharing among birth companions in Kakamega County. The study used two theories and one model. This study employed a mixed-method strategy that included gathering and examining both qualitative and quantitative data simultaneously using a survey design. The study population was 5549 with a sample size of 220 birth companions, 357 mothers who had sought BCs services, 38 community health volunteers and 9 key informants, which was determined by Krejcie Morgan table. Non-probability sampling technique entailing purposive and snowball methods were employed to produce a sample of 624. Data was gathered through questionnaires and interviews schedules for key informants. While a theme approach was used to prepare the analysis for the qualitative data, statistical software programs were used for the quantitative data analysis to provide descriptive and inferential statistics. This study found that barazas, person to person, radio and documentaries were the most preferred platforms by birth companions in sharing knowledge. It was established that birth companions possessed tacit and indigenous types of health care knowledge and had also positive attitudes towards maternal health care. There were opportunities for birth companions in sharing knowledge on maternal health as well as challenges. The study concluded that birth companions’ services were popular and complimented other health services although they faced financial constraints that affected their services. The study established that tacit and indigenous BCs knowledge sharing had a great impact on maternal health care. This study recommends its incorporation in the formal health care service provision. Additionally, birth companions and community health volunteers need training from support groups to enhance service delivery in Kakamega County. This study further recommends financial support for birth companions towards the provision of adequate transportation to manage emergencies and complications during referrals to health facilities. Finally, the study proposed a framework which can be adopted for enhanced knowledge sharing and positive service outcome in Kakamega County and Kenya in general.