Evaluation of the implementation and effects of an obstetric kit used in the Adamawa region of Cameroon.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the implementation and effects of the strategy, introduced in June 2011, of making obstetric kits readily available in health facilities in the Adamaoua region of Cameroon.


METHODS
We conducted a quasi-experimental study using an interrupted time series to assess the effects of the strategy, and a case study to evaluate its implementation. The reviewed data were gathered from 13 health facilities over a period from January 2008 to December 2014. Qualitative data were collected from in-depth interviews.


RESULTS
The provision of obstetric kits was effective in the intervention health facilities, although some challenges existed and included lack of staff motivation and rampant illegal practices. The number of deliveries and cesareans increased.


CONCLUSIONS
There is a need to rethink this strategy, given its gaps and shortcomings.
Higher Institute of Population Sciences, University of Ouagadougou, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso; Project "Chèque santé", Garoua, Cameroon.
Joachim Aimé
JA
Cacko
National Institute of Statistics and Demography, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso; Research Institute of Health Sciences, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.
Kadari
K
Cissé
Higher Institute of Population Sciences, University of Ouagadougou, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.
Madeleine Wayack
MW
Pambè
Research Institute of Health Sciences, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.
Rachidatou
R
Compaoré
Research Institute of Health Sciences, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso; African Institute of Public Health, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. Electronic address: sekouanda@yahoo.fr.
Seni
S
Kouanda
D002163:Cameroon; D036861:Delivery, Obstetric / Q000295:instrumentation*; D004638:Emergency Treatment / Q000295:instrumentation*; D004864:Equipment and Supplies; D005260:Female; D006764:Hospitals, Community / Q000458:organization & administration; D006801:Humans; D007744:Obstetric Labor Complications / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011295:Prenatal Care / Q000379:methods*; D036301:Qualitative Research
Cameroon; Financial barriers; Health facilities; Maternal mortality; Neonatal mortality; Obstetric kit