Socio-cultural context of birth experiences for women in Uganda

Betty Kwagala, Makerere University
Elizabeth Nansubuga, Makerere University
Cyprian Misinde, Makerere University
Annet Kirabo, Makerere University

Maternal mortality in Uganda is still high at 435 deaths per 100,000 live births. Only 42% of women give birth in health facilities. Emic views about women’s birth experiences are lacking, yet such knowledge would help explain why women make certain decisions regarding child birth. Cultural constructs of pregnancy and childbirth are still not widely understood. This study will explore women’s birth experiences, cultural mechanisms for safe births and decision making arrangements that influence choice of place of delivery. A qualitative study based on four cultural groupings will be undertaken using ethnographic techniques. A meta-data analysis will also be done using the Uganda Demographic Health Survey dataset. This study will help policy makers and programmers to understand the link between cultural and modern birth practices. It will also help programmers identify culturally sensitive interventions which will help reduce child and maternal morbidity & mortality thus achieving MDG 4 & 5.