Design and evaluation of a community participatory, birth preparedness project in Cambodia.
OBJECTIVE
to evaluate a pilot project, which used a community participatory approach to introduce birth preparedness in rural Cambodia.


METHODS
a feasibility and outcome evaluation. This included observation, interview, document analysis and costing.


METHODS
the project was undertaken in 15 villages linked to five health centres in Kampong Chhnang, Cambodia.


METHODS
key management personnel, local midwives, village leaders, village volunteers and village members who had participated in the programme.


RESULTS
community engagement was not only feasible but was also a successful and cost-effective way to introduce birth preparedness. A high degree of satisfaction was reported by the health staff and the community. Over the year in which the project was undertaken, there was a 22% increase in antenatal care, a 32% increase in the number of women delivered by a midwife, and a 281% increase in referrals to hospital.


CONCLUSIONS
discussion about birth preparedness should occur not only with pregnant women but also with the communities that support them. Communities that are poor and isolated are responsive to the health needs of their women as they give birth, and articulate their needs when given the opportunity. Interacting with health staff in a way in which there is shared information can lead to greater utilisation of the health services that they provide.
Skinner
Joan
J
Graduate School of Nursing, Midwifery and Health, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand. joan.skinner@vuw.ac.nz
Rathavy
Tung
T
D000328:Adult; D002160:Cambodia / Q000453:epidemiology; D003153:Community Health Services / Q000191:economics / Q000458:organization & administration*; D003256:Community Participation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008427:Maternal Health Services / Q000191:economics / Q000458:organization & administration*; D008880:Midwifery / Q000191:economics / Q000458:organization & administration*; D009035:Mothers / Q000193:education; D010043:Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care; D011247:Pregnancy; D011295:Prenatal Care / Q000458:organization & administration; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012424:Rural Population / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012931:Social Environment; D012938:Social Perception; D012944:Social Support; D055815:Young Adult