Analysing Quality of Maternal Care through Maternity Waiting Homes in Chitipa district

Maternity Waiting Home (MWH) is a structure that is located within easy reach of a health facility where high or low-risk pregnant women who are at term await labour and delivery. The major hypothesis for introduction of MWHs is that deliveries by skilled birth attendants would increase consequently reducing maternal morbidity and mortality. This study analysed the quality of maternal care through maternity waiting homes (MWHs) in Chitipa District following Donabediäs Structure Process and Outcome (SPO) model which provided guidance on the areas to be analysed when looking at quality of maternal care in MWHs. Specifically, the aim of the study was to explore knowledge and practices of health care workers on implementation of MWHs and to assess availability of resources in MWHs. In addition, the study sought to describe the services provided in MWHs and assessed the attitudes of health care workers and pregnant mothers on utilization of MWHs. Furthermore, the study aim was to identifying challenges faced by health care workers, pregnant mothers and their guardians regarding utilization of MWHs.