Abstract

PIP: In the Danfa Project area of rural Ghana a survey of the characteristics, attitudes, and practices of traditional birth attendants was conducted. In 1973, 6 months following the start of the family planning program, a questionnaire was administered to a sample of the traditional birth attendants registered. Interviews were carried out in the local language by public health nurses familiar with the area. 82 interviews were completed. Differences in interview responses between areas were negligible and combined results are reported for the 3 areas surveyed. There were 2 types of traditional birth attendants -- herbalists who engaged in midwifery as only part of their medical practice and those who limited their practice to midwifery. The traditional birth attendants usually gave correct or neutral advice and most recognized the benefits of rapid referral to hospitals for seious problems. They were supportive of family planning and very interested in improving their skills. However, a number of factors must be considered in organizing training programs. Special adult educational methods must be used. In order to achieve adequate coverage 1 must train large numbers of traditional birth attendants who perform an average on only 7 deliveries per year and who are widely scattered in remote rural villages. This creates extensive problems, particularly in transportation and follow-up supervision. Combining training of traditional birth attendants with other village health programs or community development projects could be the answer.