Factors Facilitating and Challenges Facing Community-based Interventions in Improving Antenatal Care in Rural Tanzania
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Date
2021
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Journal of Education, Humanities and Sciences
Abstract
The improvement of antenatal care has remained a topical global concern as signalled by maternal deaths, which have remained unacceptably high, especially in low- and middle- income countries. In response to this concern, community-based interventions through women’s groups have been implemented to improve antenatal care; and have shown promising results in rural settings. However, factors contributing to the success or failure of these interventions vary across geographical settings, thereby necessitating area- specific considerations. This paper sets out to unveil significant facilitators and barriers to the implementation of women’s group interventions in Tanzania. A qualitative case study design was employed involving interviews, focus group discussions, and documentary review in Kilolo and Mufindi districts. Eighty-six participants were interviewed and six small focus group discussions were conducted. Findings show that several factors facilitated the implementation of community-based interventions. These included recruitment and selection of the women’s groups, readiness among the women’s groups, support of the local administrative systems, and inclusive monitoring and evaluation process. On the other hand, the implementation process was constrained by insufficient logistical supplies, multiple workloads, and the desire for allowances. It is concluded that increased uptake and sustainability of antenatal care can potentially be attained through an understanding of both facilitators and barriers during the planning, development and implementation of the interventions of women’s groups.
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Keywords
Community based interventions, Maternal and child health, Contextual factors, Tanzania