EXPERIENCES OF WOMEN RECEIVING REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH SERVICES FROM MALE MIDWIVES: A QUALITATIVE STUDY IN BOLE DISTRICT, SAVANNAH REGION OF GHANA, WEST AFRICA

Abstract

Introduction: reproductive health services are necessary for women of all age groups. To ensure that women have access to reproductive services the training of midwives in Ghana was scaled up to include males. Male midwives are becoming more popular, but their acceptability is not universal. Some argue that males should not be allowed in the birthing room since they have never experienced childbirth. There is a misconception that delivery is beyond the capabilities of men. The purpose of the study was to explore the expectations and experiences of women receiving reproductive health services from male midwives in Bole District of Savannah Region of Ghana. Methods: a qualitative study was conducted using a descriptive exploratory design in which 15 women were recruited for the study. The participants were purposively selected and the sample size based on data saturation. The data was collected using interview guides. The data was analysed using the thematic content analysis. Results: the study findings revealed that some participants were of the view that male midwives will not understand women and male midwives should work with female midwives. Though some of the study participants acknowledged that male midwives were good at work, most of the women will prefer a female midwife to take care of them. Shyness, cultural and religion have been cited as the reasons contributing to the refusal of care from male midwives. Conclusion: the study concludes that public awareness campaigns on the presence of male midwives in clinical facilities should be intensified.