Expectations and needs of Ugandan women for improved quality of childbirth care in health facilities: A qualitative study

Abstract

Objective: To describe the experiences, expectations, and needs of urban Ugandan women in relation to good-quality facility childbirth. Methods: Women who had given birth in the 12 months prior to the study were purposively sampled and interviewed, or included in focus groups. Thematic analysis was used, and the data were interpreted within the context of an existing quality of care framework. Results: Forty-five in-depth interviews and six focus group discussions were conducted. Respect and dignity, timely communication, competent skilled staff, and availability of medical supplies were central to women's accounts of quality care, or a lack of it. The hope for a live baby motivated women to..