Decision Making towards Maternal Health Services in Central Java, Indonesia
Abstract: Indonesia has always
been struggling with maternal health issue even after the Millennium
Development Goals (MDGs) programs were done. Prior research findings identified
many factors which influenced maternal health status in developing countries
such Indonesia and even though various efforts had been made, the impact of the
transformation of maternal health behavior was minimal.
Purpose: This study aimed to seek an understanding of the factors
influencing decisions towards maternal health services.
Methods: A case study with a single case embedded design was employed.
Interviews and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) were held to collect data from 3
health workers and 40 maternal women in a sub-district in Central Java,
Indonesia.
Results: Interviews with the village midwives as the main health
providers in the Getasan sub-district concluded that there were several factors
influencing the women's decisions towards maternal services. The factors were
options to have services with other health workers outside the area, and shaman
services as alternative care and family influencing maternal health behaviors.
The analysis of the FGDs also supported the village midwives’ statements that
in spite of their awareness towards the available maternal health services, the
existence of shamans and traditional beliefs strongly affected their decision.
Conclusion: The findings in this study showed that cultural issues
prevented the maximum maternal health status in Getasan sub-district. This
study recommends Puskesmas (Primary Health Care) as the first level of health
institutions in Indonesia to support the village midwives’ roles within their
target area.
Keywords: Maternal health;
health policies; community health
Penulis: Treesia Sujana,
Margareth Barnes, Jennifer Rowe, Rachel Reed
Kode Jurnal: jpkeperawatandd160483