Assessment of the effect of psychosocial support during childbirth in Ibadan, south‐west Nigeria: A randomised controlled trial

Abstract

Objective:To assess the effect of psychosocial support on labour outcomes. Methodology: A randomised control trial conducted at the University College Hospital Ibadan, Nigeria, from November 2006 to 30 March 2007. Women with anticipated vaginal delivery were recruited and randomised at the antenatal clinic. The experimental group had companionship in addition to routine care throughout labour until two hours after delivery, while the controls had only routine care. The primary outcome measure was caesarean section rate. Others included duration of active phase, pain score, time of breast-feeding initiation and description of labour experience. Multivariable analyses were used to adjust for potential confounders. The level of statistical significance was set at 5%. Results: Of the 632 recruited, 585 were eventually studied: 293 and 292 were in experimental and control groups, respectively. Husbands constituted about two-thirds of the companions. Women in the control group were about five times more likely to deliver by caesarean section (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.98-12.05), had significantly longer duration of active phase (P < 0.001), higher pain scores (P = 0.011) and longer interval between delivery and initiation of breast-feeding (P < 0.001). However, those in experimental group had a more satisfying labour experience (odds ratio 3.3 95% CI 2.15-5.04). Conclusion: Women with companionship had better labour outcomes compared to those without. It is desirable to adopt this practice in our health-care settings as an alternative strategy to provide comparable quality services to would-be mothers in labour.

Involving male partners in maternity care in Burkina Faso: a randomized controlled trial

“…Our study was one of the first trials of a facility-based intervention to involve male partners in maternity care in sub-Saharan Africa that did not evaluate the prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission 17 , 18 . We found that even a simple educational intervention involving a maximum of three contacts can be beneficial.…”

“…Consequently, the impact of these strategies is not clear. Few high-quality experimental studies have been conducted in sub-Saharan Africa and even fewer have assessed facility-based interventions, 17 , 18 apart from those focusing on the prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission 19 …”

Percepções do acompanhante de escolha da mulher acerca da organização e ambiência do centro obstétrico Perceptions from the delivering women’s chosen companion concerning the obstetrics ward organization and ambience

“…This fact may contribute to changes related to gender and family issues, as well as transformations in the constructed values about the birth event. [16][17] In addition, it allows the construction of care respectful to human life and the family, and can promote greater family interaction and strengthening of bonds. [17][18] The information about the rules and routines of the obstetrical center, provided to the companion at the time of the parturient's hospitalization, are extremely important to guide him during his stay in the sector.…”

“…[16][17] In addition, it allows the construction of care respectful to human life and the family, and can promote greater family interaction and strengthening of bonds. [17][18] The information about the rules and routines of the obstetrical center, provided to the companion at the time of the parturient's hospitalization, are extremely important to guide him during his stay in the sector. However, sometimes they may not be enlightening enough, and in others, the companion may have difficulty assimilating them because of being emotionally involved and/or needing to "solve" personal problems or problems to hospitalization.…”

“…13,19 Randomized trials, which evaluated the effectiveness of the support by the companion of the woman's choice, used a guideline protocol for companions, aiming to equip them to play the role of support providers for women. 17,20 In this sense, at the time of hospitalization, the health worker should guide about their role as a provider of help to women, 10 as well as clarify their doubts.…”