Factors contributing to a delay in reporting for labour by pregnant women at a regional hospital, Mopani District

Abstract

The study was aimed at exploring and describing factors that influence the delay in reporting for labour by women in Mopani District and to evaluate the impact of the delay in the process and outcome of labour and to develop recommendations to address the contributory factors. The study was conducted at a regional hospital in the Mopani District. A qualitative descriptive research design was used for the participants to describe the factors that delays pregnant woman in reporting for labour in the regional hospital. A non-probability sampling design was used in the study. Data were collected through unstructured one-on-one interview. Thirteen (n=13) pregnant women who delayed reporting for labour in the regional hospital at Mopani District participated in the interviews. Data were collected and analysed through the use of content analysis approach. Seven themes developed from the findings leading to the establishment of the following recommendations including the use of theory as support system, making the availability of resources a priority, increasing capacity of all clinics to offer skilled birth, expansion of Mom-Connect into rural areas, establishment of MWHs in the rural areas, and increasing transportation such as ambulances.