Person-centered maternity care and associated factors among women who give birth at public hospitals in South Gondar zone, North West Ethiopia, 2023.

backgroundPerson-centered maternity care (PCMC) is the process of maternity care that is responsive to and respectful of each woman's choices, values, and needs. It reflects the quality of maternal health services. The provision of PCMC is influenced by the maternal sociodemographic and obstetric-related variables However, there is little information about person-centered maternity care in Ethiopia; particularly, communication & autonomy, and supportive care are not well investigated. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess the proportion of person-centered maternity care and associated factors among women who give birth at the public hospital, in North West, Ethiopia, 2023.

methodsA facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 763 mothers who give birth at public hospitals in the South Gondar zone. The study participants were selected using a systematic random sampling technique. Data were collected through exit interviews using a structured pretested Amharic version questionnaire. EPI- Data version 4.6 was used for data entry and SPSS Version 25 for analysis. Bivariable & multivariable linear regression analysis was computed. Predictor variables were identified by using unstandardized β and a 95% confidence interval. A variable that has a p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

resultsThe mean person-centered maternity care was 42.33 out of 90. Mothers living in rural areas (β = -1.43, 95% CI: -2.76,-0.11), 3-4 providers present during labor and delivery (β = -1.58, 95% CI:-3.67,-0.27), had no history of facility delivery (β = -2.28,95% CI:-4.43,-0.13), two days length of stay at hospitals (β = 1.69,95% CI:0.40,2.48), and highest wealth (β = 1.05,95% CI:0.42,1.41) were factors significantly associated with person-centered maternity care (PCMC).

conclusionThe mean score of PCMC was low in the study area compared to studies done in low- and middle-income countries. Highest wealth, 3-4 health providers present during labor and delivery, had no history of facility delivery, and had two-day lengths of stay at hospitals were predictors for PCMC. Therefore, strengthening facility delivery and promoting hospital stays for more than a day as a part of first postnatal care is paramount for increasing PCMC.