Walking the Path to Birth: A Phenomenological Insight into Indonesian Mothers’ Experience of Seeking Care
1
School of Health Science, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):A1994
ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT:
Indonesia had the third-highest maternal mortality ratio (MMR) in Southeast Asia1, with bleeding, hypertension, and infections identified as the leading causes of maternal death by 20232. Delays in identifying obstetric emergencies and in making decisions to seek care remain significant contributors to maternal mortality3. The conventional interactive decision-making process within an Indonesian family members, may contribute to this delay4. Lack of information-sharing between facilities and inadequate protocols cause delays in emergency care and management, leading to maternal deaths5. Furthermore, cultural restrictions, logistical barriers, and prior negative interactions with healthcare providers hampered care-seeking6. The study aims to explore mothers’ experiences of seeking-care during childbirth. This study employed a qualitative design guided by phenomenological approach. Data were obtained through semi-structured, face-to-face interviews with a purposively selected sample of 30 mothers. Five key themes. 1) a sense of safety and comfort emerged when women were well-prepared for childbirth, had access to relevant information, were able to maintain privacy, and received support from spouses, family members, healthcare professionals, and the community; 2) Women’s empowerment and autonomy were reflected in their active engagement with the community and their capacity to make independent decisions regarding their health; 3) feelings of insecurity arose when women were left without support, particularly from their husbands, faced financial constraints, were inadequately prepared, lacked access to clear communication and information about childbirth, experienced trauma related to healthcare facilities, or had psychological vulnerabilities; 4) Trust in birth attendants was closely linked to their communication skills, professional competence, and the mother’s previous positive childbirth experiences; 5) Social and cultural influences, including family involvement, consideration of others’ advice, and adherence to traditional beliefs, also played a significant role in shaping care-seeking behaviours. Ensuring respectful maternal care, improving affordability, and enhancing healthcare accessibility remain critical areas for addressing inequalities in childbirth experiences across different regions.
Indonesia had the third-highest maternal mortality ratio (MMR) in Southeast Asia1, with bleeding, hypertension, and infections identified as the leading causes of maternal death by 20232. Delays in identifying obstetric emergencies and in making decisions to seek care remain significant contributors to maternal mortality3. The conventional interactive decision-making process within an Indonesian family members, may contribute to this delay4. Lack of information-sharing between facilities and inadequate protocols cause delays in emergency care and management, leading to maternal deaths5. Furthermore, cultural restrictions, logistical barriers, and prior negative interactions with healthcare providers hampered care-seeking6. The study aims to explore mothers’ experiences of seeking-care during childbirth. This study employed a qualitative design guided by phenomenological approach. Data were obtained through semi-structured, face-to-face interviews with a purposively selected sample of 30 mothers. Five key themes. 1) a sense of safety and comfort emerged when women were well-prepared for childbirth, had access to relevant information, were able to maintain privacy, and received support from spouses, family members, healthcare professionals, and the community; 2) Women’s empowerment and autonomy were reflected in their active engagement with the community and their capacity to make independent decisions regarding their health; 3) feelings of insecurity arose when women were left without support, particularly from their husbands, faced financial constraints, were inadequately prepared, lacked access to clear communication and information about childbirth, experienced trauma related to healthcare facilities, or had psychological vulnerabilities; 4) Trust in birth attendants was closely linked to their communication skills, professional competence, and the mother’s previous positive childbirth experiences; 5) Social and cultural influences, including family involvement, consideration of others’ advice, and adherence to traditional beliefs, also played a significant role in shaping care-seeking behaviours. Ensuring respectful maternal care, improving affordability, and enhancing healthcare accessibility remain critical areas for addressing inequalities in childbirth experiences across different regions.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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