Abstract:
Introduction: Companionship refers to providing support to women during labor and childbirth. The world health organization strongly recommends a companion of choice for all women in labor and childbirth at the health facility. However, companion presence at the health facilities in developing countries is low.
Objective: To assess the attitude and practice of birth attendants regarding companion presence during childbirth and associated factors at public health facilities in West Shoa Zone, Oromia Region, Ethiopia, 2021
Methods: A cross-sectional study design with a concurrent mixed-method research approach was employed from August 17 to September 23, 2021. A simple random sampling was used to collect data from 422 birth attendants using pretested structured self-administered questionnaire. The data was entered into Epi-data 3.1 and exported to Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 20 for analysis. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression was done. Statistical significance was declared at p<0.05 and 95% confidence level. An in-depth interview was used to collect qualitative data from purposively selected key-informants. Data was analyzed manually using thematic analysis and the result was triangulated with the quantitative data.
Result: With a response rate of 96.2%, 208(51.2%) of birth attendants had a favorable attitude and the magnitude of reported practice of companion presence during childbirth was 79(19.5%). Reported job satisfaction (AOR=5.29, 95%CI: 3.08, 9.1), presence of screen (AOR=3.4, 95%CI: 1.94, 5.99) and wideness of the delivery room (AOR=4.74, 95%CI: 2.48, 9.04) were factors associated with the attitude of birth attendants. Number of deliveries conducted per month (AOR=3.34, 95%CI: 1.37, 8.13), having had training (AOR=3.286, 95%CI: 1.52, 7.08) and presence of screen (AOR=2.88, 95%CI: 1.42, 5.85) were statistically associated with the practice of birth attendants regarding companion presence during childbirth. The barriers like structural factors, norms, and culture of the society, lack of interest among some mothers, and birth attendants related factors were explored.
Conclusion and recommendation: The magnitude of favorable attitude and reported practice of birth attendants regarding companion presence during childbirth is low. Structural related factors were the main barriers. Structural interventions are needed to ensure that delivery rooms are structured in ways that facilitate the presence of companions during
