Promoting Women’s Participation in Maternity Care in Lebanon

Abstract

This study examined the effect of providing evidence-based information to women and enabling them to use effective communication skills on requesting changes in maternity care. A cluster randomized controlled trial was conducted where pregnant women, from 65 private obstetric clinics, were recruited from 2 regions in Lebanon. The intervention consisted of 2 prenatal sessions on evidence-based care and effective communication skills. Women in the intervention arm were more likely to request not to have an enema (odds ratio [OR] = 5.57; confidence interval [CI] = 2.44–12.71), to request keeping their infants for prolonged time in their room (OR= 2.1; CI = 1.43–3.09), and to actually being able to keep their infants in their rooms for longer periods (OR= 2.39; CI = 1.13–5.04), compared to women in the control arm. Knowledge on best practices was significantly improved. Informing women about best practices and enhancing communication skills with providers of care can facilitate change in the provision of health services. More consideration needs to be given to the commitment of health care providers and senior staff within hospitals to ensure the scaling up of such interventions.