WomenâÂÂs Perceptions about Pregnancy and Childbirth and Their Perceived Maternal and Newborn Health Problems in Tigray District, Ethiopia

Background: The death of women during pregnancy or childbirth period remains a major problem in developing countries. Ethiopia has higher maternal mortality than other developing countries and its high rate is remaining steady. Objective: To identify the perceptions of women about pregnancy and childbirth and their perceived serious maternal and newborn health problems in North Ethiopia. Methods: A total of 1,216 women aged 15-49 years in Tigray, Ethiopia participated in this community-based study. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire through interviews. The t-test and analysis of variance were used for data analysis. Results: The mean age of the women was 32.56 years, and they had an average of 3.89 children. Whereas almost all of them perceived women to have authority in birth planning and health facility visits for antenatal care and childbirth, about a third did not perceive roles for fathers in childbirth and child care. They also showed limited perceptions of serious health problems in pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum, and newborn care. Women’s perceptions of health problems during pregnancy differed significantly by having a husband. Conclusion: Our study findings suggest the need for community-based health education for women in North Ethiopia to increase their perceptions of maternal health and newborn care. We also recommend empowering women to maintain perinatal health and encouraging fathers to be actively involved in child care.