Skip to main page content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

The .gov means it’s official.
Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

Https

The site is secure.
The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

Access keys NCBI Homepage MyNCBI Homepage Main Content Main Navigation
Review
. 2017;6(2):130-138.
doi: 10.21106/ijma.204.

Progresses and challenges of utilizing traditional birth attendants in maternal and child health in Nigeria

Ndidiamaka Amutah-Onukagha  1 , Monica Rodriguez  2 , Ijeoma Opara  3 , Michelle Gardner  2 , Maame Araba Assan  2 , Rodney Hammond  2 , Jesus Plata  2 , Kimberly Pierre  2 , Ehsan Farag  2
Affiliations
Review

Progresses and challenges of utilizing traditional birth attendants in maternal and child health in Nigeria

Ndidiamaka Amutah-Onukagha et al. Int J MCH AIDS. 2017.

Abstract

Background and objectives: Despite advances in modern healthcare, Traditional Birth Attendants (TBA) have continued to be heavily utilized in rural communities in Nigeria. Major disparities in maternal health care in Nigeria remain present despite the goal of the United Nations Millennium Development Goal to reduce maternal mortality by 2015. The objective of this study is to review the contribution of TBAs in the birthing process in Nigeria, and to examine barriers and opportunities for utilizing TBAs in improving maternal and child health outcomes in Nigeria.

Methods: A literature review of two major electronic databases was conducted using the PRISMA framework to identify English language studies conducted between 2006 and 2016. Inclusion criteria included articles that examined the role of traditional birth attendants as a factor influencing maternal health in Nigeria.

Results: The value of TBAs has not been fully examined as few studies have aimed to examine its potential role in reducing maternal mortality with proper training. Eight manuscripts that were examined highlighted the role of TBAs in maternal health including outcomes of utilizing trained versus non-trained TBAs.

Conclusion and global health implications: Specific areas of training for TBAs that were identified and recommended in review including: recognizing delivery complications, community support for TBA practices through policy, evaluation of TBA training programs and increasing collaboration between healthcare facilities and TBAs. Policies focused on improving access to health services and importantly, formal health education training to TBAs, are required to improve maternal health outcomes and underserved communities.

Keywords: Birthing process; Maternal and Child Health in Nigeria; Traditional birth attendant; Training.

PubMed Disclaimer

Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest: The authors declare no relevant conflict of interest. Ethics Approval: This study was approved by an Institutional Review Board

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Illustrates the PRISMA model for the literature review conducted on TBA and MDG 5
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

    1. Bukar M, Jauro YS. Home births and postnatal practices in Madagali, North-Eastern Nigeria. Nigerian Journal of Clinical Practice. 2013;16(2):233–245. - PubMed
    1. World Health Organization. Partnership for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health. 2015. [February 27 2017]. http://www.who.int/topics/millennium_development_goals/maternal_health/en/
    1. Owens-Ibie N. Traditional birth attendance and the pursuit of maternal and child health in Nigeria. Advances in Social Norms. 2011
    1. Balogun M, Odeyemi K. Knowledge and practice of prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV among traditional birth attendants in Lagos State, Nigeria. Pan African Medical Journal. 2010;5(7):1–12. - PMC - PubMed
    1. Imogie AO, Agwubike EO, Aluko K. Assessing the role of traditional birth attendants (TBAs) in health care delivery in Edo State, Nigeria. African Journal of Reproductive Health. 2002;6(2):94–100. - PubMed

LinkOut - more resources