Why Women in Ethiopia Give Birth at Home? A Systematic Review of Literature

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed at reviewing identifying reasons for home delivery preference, determining the status of homebirth in Ethiopia, and identifying socio-demographic factors predicting home delivery in Ethiopia.

Methods: A systematic literature review regarding the status of homebirth, reasons why women preferred homebirth and socio-demographic determinants of home deliveries was performed using CINAHL, MEDLINE, Google Scholar and Maternity and Infant Care. Keywords and phrases such as home birth, home delivery, childbirth, prevalence, determinants, predictors, women and Ethiopia were included in the search.

Results: A total of 10 studies were included in this review. The mean proportion of homebirth was 73.5%. Maternal age, ANC visits, maternal level of education, distance to facilities, and previous facility birth were significantly associated with homebirth. Perceived poor quality of service, distant location of facilities, homebirth as customary in the society and perceived normalness of labour were identified as reasons for choosing homebirth.

Conclusion: Despite the significance of skilled birth attendants in reducing maternal and newborn morbidity and mortality, unattended homebirth remains high. By identifying and addressing socio-demographic enablers of home deliveries, maternal health service uptake can be improved.

Keywords: childbirth; facility birth; homebirth; maternal health.

Figure 1

A flowchart diagram showing the selection process of included studies.