The pathway of obstructed labour as perceived by communities in south-western Uganda: a grounded theory study.
BACKGROUND
Obstructed labour is still a major cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality in Uganda, where many women give birth at home alone or assisted by non-skilled birth attendants. Little is known of how the community view obstructed labour, and what actions they take in cases where this complication occurs.


OBJECTIVE
The objective of the study was to explore community members' understanding of and actions taken in cases of obstructed labour in south-western Uganda.


METHODS
Grounded theory (GT) was used to analyse data from 20 focus group discussions (FGDs), 10 with women and 10 with men, which were conducted in eight rural and two urban communities.


RESULTS
A conceptual model based on the community members' understanding of obstructed labour and actions taken in response is presented as a pathway initiated by women's desire to 'protecting own integrity' (core category). The pathway consisted of six other categories closely linked to the core category, namely: (1) 'taking control of own birth process'; (2) 'reaching the limit--failing to give birth' (individual level); (3) 'exhausting traditional options'; (4) 'partner taking charge'; (5) 'facing challenging referral conditions' (community level); and finally (6) 'enduring a non-responsive healthcare system' (healthcare system level).


CONCLUSIONS
There is a need to understand and acknowledge women's reluctance to involve others during childbirth. However, the healthcare system should provide acceptable care and a functional referral system closer to the community, thus supporting the community's ability to seek timely care as a response to obstructed labour. Easy access to mobile phones may improve referral systems. Upgrading of infrastructure in the region requires a multi-sectoral approach. Testing of the conceptual model through a quantitative questionnaire is recommended.
Division of Social Medicine and Global Health, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Malmo, Sweden. Jerome.Kabakyenga@med.lu.se
Jerome K
JK
Kabakyenga
Per-Olof
PO
Östergren
Maria
M
Emmelin
Phionah
P
Kyomuhendo
Karen
K
Odberg Pettersson
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D040421:Cell Phone; D003210:Concept Formation; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008427:Maternal Health Services; D008428:Maternal Mortality / Q000639:trends*; D008507:Medically Underserved Area; D008875:Middle Aged; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D007744:Obstetric Labor Complications / Q000453:epidemiology*; D009774:Obstetrics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D010465:Perception; D011247:Pregnancy; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012111:Residence Characteristics; D012424:Rural Population; D014454:Uganda; D014505:Urban Population; D016387:Women's Health; D055815:Young Adult