Enhancing Labour and Childbirth Companionship in Vietnam: A Qualitative Comparison of Public and Private Hospitals

  • Trang Thuy Thi Hoang, Myriam de Loenzien, Chau Giang Huynh, Thao Phuong Thi Truong, Alexandre Dumont, Meghan Bohren, Ana Pilar Betran, Claudia Hansen, Trang Khanh Nguyen Huynh, Tuyet Diem Thi Hoang, Hung Nhu Quoc Mac
Từ khóa: Birth companionship, childbirth support, maternal healthcare, public vs. private hospital, healthcare implementation.

Tóm tắt

   Background/Objectives: Birth companionship is recognized as an essential component of respectful maternity care, contributing to improved maternal and neonatal outcomes. Despite its proven benefits, the practice remains less commonly practiced in Vietnam, particularly in public hospitals. This study aims to explore perceptions, barriers, and facilitators of birth companionship in both public and private hospital settings in Vietnam.

   Methods: This qualitative study is part of the QUALI-DEC project, which focuses on optimizing the use of cesarean sections in various countries. We conducted an assessment of the hospital’s preparedness and in-depth interviews at a public tertiary maternity hospital and a private obstetric hospital in Vietnam. Data were collected from 15 pregnant and postpartum women, 10 companions, and 5 healthcare providers. Thematic analysis was performed using NVivo software.

   Results: The  study  revealed  that  birth  companionship  is  rarely implemented, with only 1.4% of women in a public hospital and 4.9% in a private hospital receiving continuous companionship during childbirth. Although both women and companions expressed positive attitudes toward the practice, several barriers were identified, including hospital overcrowding, lack of facilities, infection control concerns, and financial limitations. Healthcare providers acknowledged the benefits of companionship but cited increased workload and lack of training as significant challenges.

   Conclusions: To improve birth companionship in Vietnam, hospital policies must be adapted, ensuring that medical staff providers receive adequate training and that facilities accommodate companions. Educational initiatives, enhanced infrastructure, and integration of companionship into national maternity care guidelines are critical steps toward expanding this practice. A gradual approach, starting with pilot programs and engaging medical students as support personnel, could facilitate implementation in resource-limited settings.

DOI: 10.59715/pntjmp.4.3.15

điểm /   đánh giá
Phát hành ngày
2025-07-20
In ra
Tập. 4 Số. 3 (2025)
Chuyên mục
Nghiên cứu (Original Research)