Perceptions of obstetric analgesia: a qualitative study among midwives attending normal vaginal deliveries in Durame Hospital, Southern Ethiopia

BACKGROUND: Labor pain is distressing and produces undue side effects to both woman and fetus. In low-income countries like Ethiopia, addressing pain relief is often neglected. Professionals attending labor may not have awareness of obstetric analgesia. Besides this, there is a lack of published research on perceptions of obstetric analgesia among health professionals in Ethiopia. The aim of this study was to explore perceptions of obstetric analgesia among midwives attending normal vaginal deliveries in Durame Hospital. METHODS: The study adopted an exploratory descriptive qualitative approach in Durame General Hospital, Kembata Tembaro Zone, Southern Ethiopia from March 1 to April 2, 2017. Fifteen midwives were purposely selected and participated in in-depth interviews. Data from interviews were transcribed, translated to English, coded, and categorized into themes. Data analysis was initiated alongside data collection using a thematic approach. Written informed consent was obtained from all study participants. RESULTS: Scarcity of knowledge, negative attitudes, lack of trained personnel, and absence of protocols were impediments to using labor analgesia for midwives to relieve labor pain. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that perceptions and practices of midwives with regard to labor analgesia needs special attention to address labor pain by scaling up forms and practice of labor analgesia in such a way that internationally accepted standards are met.