The Factors Associated with the Behaviours of Midwives in Labour Wards: a Case of Mulago Hospital

Abstract

It is common knowledge that mothers have always preferred hospitals where they expect to get the best treatment throughout their birth process. This study investigated the factors associated with the midwives’ behavior, a case of Mulago Hospital in Kawempe division. The objectives of the of the study were (1) To describe the behaviors of the midwives as they execute their duties, (2) To examine the factors determining the behavior of midwives in the labour wards, (3) To establish the factors that are associated with the behavior of the midwives in the labour wards at Mulago Hospital. A combined approach of quantitative and qualitative research was used with a sample of 33 midwives (main respondents), 2 administrators and 10 mothers were key informant. Semi-structured Questionnaires, interviews and an observation were used to collect data. The entire study revealed a dedicated workforce of midwives despite excessive pressures, arising from attempts to cope with responsibilities. It was a key finding that others tend to misinterpret midwives for the normal instructions due to lack of enough information and medical supplies. The researcher recommends a need for sensitization to increase awareness among the general public about the general procedures relating to child birth and a contingency plan towards timely payments to the midwives.

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