Communication patterns between health care providers and their clients at an antenatal clinic in Zimbabwe

Abstract

We conducted this study to explore communication between pregnant women and health care providers at an antenatal clinic in Zimbabwe. We adopted a field research approach using qualitative strategies for data collection and analysis. Using content analysis, we identified impersonal communication, nonprivate communication, rigid communication, uninformed communication, and authoritative communication as characteristic components of the interaction between the pregnant women and the health care providers. The attitudes reflected by the communication styles at the antenatal clinic must be viewed in relationship to the culture and tradition of Zimbabwe. With further research, we may identify obstacles to communication that are not related to culture. This knowledge may lead to a better understanding of appropriate communication strategies to promote healthy pregnancy.