Looking into opportunities for maternity continuum of care improvement within the primary health care system in Northwest Ethiopia: primary health care-oriented research
Abstract Background The maternity continuum of care (MCC) is an integral component of universal health coverage and a crucial strategy for reducing maternal and neonatal mortality. Despite its importance, MCC coverage remains low in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), including Ethiopia, which...
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BMC
2025-04-01
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| Series: | BMC Health Services Research |
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-025-12688-8 |
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| author | Muhabaw Shumye Mihret Kassahun Alemu Debrework Tesgera Beshah Lemma Derseh Gezie Kerstin Erlandsson Helena Lindgren |
| author_facet | Muhabaw Shumye Mihret Kassahun Alemu Debrework Tesgera Beshah Lemma Derseh Gezie Kerstin Erlandsson Helena Lindgren |
| author_sort | Muhabaw Shumye Mihret |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Background The maternity continuum of care (MCC) is an integral component of universal health coverage and a crucial strategy for reducing maternal and neonatal mortality. Despite its importance, MCC coverage remains low in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), including Ethiopia, which bear the highest burden of maternal and neonatal mortality. This underscores the need for proactive interventions. In this perspective, the primary health care (PHC) approach holds significant potential for enhancing MCC. Exploring demand- and/or supply-side opportunities for improving MCC within the PHC system could help inform policy, practice, and further research. However, there is limited evidence on these aspects in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aims to explore demand- and/or supply-side opportunities for MCC enhancement within the PHC system in northwest Ethiopia. Methods We conducted a qualitative study using an interpretive description approach within the PHC system in northwest Ethiopia from March 3 to November 27, 2022. Data collection included four key informant interviews, three focus group discussions with 29 participants, and 28 in-depth interviews, all selected through maximum variation sampling. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, translated into English, and analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis in ATLAS.ti version 7.1.4 software. Results Three themes and 11 sub-themes have emerged. These include: (1) PHC structural enhancement with its categories: onsite mentorship, decentralized ambulance service platform, structural networks, and expansion of the scope of frontline PHC facilities; (2) PHC input enhancement with its categories: expansion of the maternity service workforce and technological advancements; and (3) PHC maternity service delivery enhancement with its categories: community engagement, approaches for reducing wait times, tailored maternity service provision in conflict-affected communities, flexible schedules for maternity service, and integrated midwifery model of care. Conclusions This study finds that there are several structural, input, and service delivery opportunities for enhancing the MCC within the PHC system in northwest Ethiopia. These opportunities indicate potential pathways to strengthen PHC resilience for MCC. Widespread utilization of these opportunities could significantly improve the existing MCC within the PHC system. We also recommend further research to assess the impact of these opportunities on MCC. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-2bf334149e2643ceba5d071fc6f1bff8 |
| institution | DOAJ |
| issn | 1472-6963 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-04-01 |
| publisher | BMC |
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| series | BMC Health Services Research |
| spelling | doaj-art-2bf334149e2643ceba5d071fc6f1bff82025-08-20T03:10:14ZengBMCBMC Health Services Research1472-69632025-04-0125111710.1186/s12913-025-12688-8Looking into opportunities for maternity continuum of care improvement within the primary health care system in Northwest Ethiopia: primary health care-oriented researchMuhabaw Shumye Mihret0Kassahun Alemu1Debrework Tesgera Beshah2Lemma Derseh Gezie3Kerstin Erlandsson4Helena Lindgren5Department of Clinical Midwifery, School of Midwifery, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of GondarDepartment of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of GondarDepartment of Surgical Nursing, School of Nursing, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of GondarDepartment of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of GondarDepartment of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska InstitutetDepartment of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska InstitutetAbstract Background The maternity continuum of care (MCC) is an integral component of universal health coverage and a crucial strategy for reducing maternal and neonatal mortality. Despite its importance, MCC coverage remains low in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), including Ethiopia, which bear the highest burden of maternal and neonatal mortality. This underscores the need for proactive interventions. In this perspective, the primary health care (PHC) approach holds significant potential for enhancing MCC. Exploring demand- and/or supply-side opportunities for improving MCC within the PHC system could help inform policy, practice, and further research. However, there is limited evidence on these aspects in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aims to explore demand- and/or supply-side opportunities for MCC enhancement within the PHC system in northwest Ethiopia. Methods We conducted a qualitative study using an interpretive description approach within the PHC system in northwest Ethiopia from March 3 to November 27, 2022. Data collection included four key informant interviews, three focus group discussions with 29 participants, and 28 in-depth interviews, all selected through maximum variation sampling. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, translated into English, and analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis in ATLAS.ti version 7.1.4 software. Results Three themes and 11 sub-themes have emerged. These include: (1) PHC structural enhancement with its categories: onsite mentorship, decentralized ambulance service platform, structural networks, and expansion of the scope of frontline PHC facilities; (2) PHC input enhancement with its categories: expansion of the maternity service workforce and technological advancements; and (3) PHC maternity service delivery enhancement with its categories: community engagement, approaches for reducing wait times, tailored maternity service provision in conflict-affected communities, flexible schedules for maternity service, and integrated midwifery model of care. Conclusions This study finds that there are several structural, input, and service delivery opportunities for enhancing the MCC within the PHC system in northwest Ethiopia. These opportunities indicate potential pathways to strengthen PHC resilience for MCC. Widespread utilization of these opportunities could significantly improve the existing MCC within the PHC system. We also recommend further research to assess the impact of these opportunities on MCC.https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-025-12688-8Maternity continuum of careEthiopiaOpportunitiesPrimary health care |
| spellingShingle | Muhabaw Shumye Mihret Kassahun Alemu Debrework Tesgera Beshah Lemma Derseh Gezie Kerstin Erlandsson Helena Lindgren Looking into opportunities for maternity continuum of care improvement within the primary health care system in Northwest Ethiopia: primary health care-oriented research BMC Health Services Research Maternity continuum of care Ethiopia Opportunities Primary health care |
| title | Looking into opportunities for maternity continuum of care improvement within the primary health care system in Northwest Ethiopia: primary health care-oriented research |
| title_full | Looking into opportunities for maternity continuum of care improvement within the primary health care system in Northwest Ethiopia: primary health care-oriented research |
| title_fullStr | Looking into opportunities for maternity continuum of care improvement within the primary health care system in Northwest Ethiopia: primary health care-oriented research |
| title_full_unstemmed | Looking into opportunities for maternity continuum of care improvement within the primary health care system in Northwest Ethiopia: primary health care-oriented research |
| title_short | Looking into opportunities for maternity continuum of care improvement within the primary health care system in Northwest Ethiopia: primary health care-oriented research |
| title_sort | looking into opportunities for maternity continuum of care improvement within the primary health care system in northwest ethiopia primary health care oriented research |
| topic | Maternity continuum of care Ethiopia Opportunities Primary health care |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-025-12688-8 |
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