Utilization Of Village Midwives As Childbirth Help In Terms Of The Socio -Cultural Aspects Of The Community In The Working Area Of the Kutalimbaru Puskesmas In 2009
Utilization of Village Midwives as Childbirth Help: Socio-Cultural Review in the Working Area of the Kutalimbaru Puskesmas in 2009
Introduction
The provision of health services for mothers and children, particularly those related to pregnancy and childbirth, remains a significant challenge in rural areas. In the working area of the Kutalimbaru Health Center, Deli Serdang, the data indicates that in 2007, only 70% of deliveries were conducted by midwives, which is far below the national target of 90%. This study aims to explore the utilization of village midwives as childbirth helpers in the working area of the Kutalimbaru Health Center, focusing on the socio-cultural aspects of the community.
Background
The Karo ethnic community in the working area of the Kutalimbaru Health Center has a unique cultural context that influences their understanding and utilization of health services. The presence of village midwives is crucial in providing safe and quality labor services, but the community's trust and acceptance of these services are essential for their effective utilization. This study employed a qualitative approach, using in-depth interviews with eight informants, including pregnant women, community leaders, and village midwives, to gather data on the socio-cultural aspects of the community.
Methodology
The study used a qualitative approach, with in-depth interviews as the primary data collection method. The informants consisted of pregnant women, community leaders, and village midwives, who were selected based on their relevance to the study's objectives. The data was analyzed using a computer program to present the information in the form of matrices. The results showed that the informants had varying educational backgrounds, including elementary, junior high, and high school graduates, and were aged between 22 and 30 years.
Results
The results of the study indicated that the informants had sufficient knowledge about the role of village midwives, including their duties and responsibilities. The public trust in village midwives in the process of childbirth assistance was strong, with mothers-in-law often acting as the main decision-makers in choosing health workers. The values and norms that apply in the Karo community showed that there was no significant prohibition on the use of village midwife services, indicating that the general public accepts the existence of village midwives.
Socio-Cultural Analysis
The community's understanding of the importance of village midwives in the delivery process can be seen from the socio-cultural aspects that surround it. The presence of village midwives is strongly influenced by community trust, which is rooted in the existing traditions and norms. In this context, village midwives are not only seen as healthcare providers but also as an integral part of the social structure of the community.
The aspect of trust is crucial, especially in the Karo community, which has a strong tradition. The role of the mother-in-law who is often considered a decision-maker in the selection of health workers indicates that the socialization of information about the health of the mother and child needs to involve community leaders and local cultural values. Increasing awareness of the importance of the role of village midwives can be achieved through relevant health education and education programs, so that the community can be more open and believe in utilizing existing services.
Conclusion
The utilization of village midwives as childbirth helpers in the working area of the Kutalimbaru Health Center shows that despite challenges, the community generally supports the existence of village midwives. Health programs that emphasize local values and involvement of community leaders are very important to increase the scope of safe and quality labor services. Therefore, collaboration between health workers and the community, as well as a deep understanding of the socio-cultural aspects, is very necessary to achieve better health targets in rural areas.
Recommendations
Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:
- Health education and education programs: Relevant health education and education programs should be implemented to increase awareness of the importance of the role of village midwives among the community.
- Community involvement: Community leaders and local cultural values should be involved in the socialization of information about the health of the mother and child.
- Collaboration between health workers and the community: Collaboration between health workers and the community is essential to achieve better health targets in rural areas.
- Emphasis on local values: Health programs should emphasize local values and involve community leaders to increase the scope of safe and quality labor services.
By implementing these recommendations, the utilization of village midwives as childbirth helpers can be improved, and the community's trust and acceptance of these services can be increased, ultimately leading to better health outcomes for mothers and children in rural areas.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Utilization of Village Midwives as Childbirth Help
Q: What is the significance of village midwives in rural areas?
A: Village midwives play a crucial role in providing safe and quality labor services in rural areas, where access to healthcare facilities may be limited. They are often the first point of contact for pregnant women and new mothers, and their presence can significantly improve maternal and child health outcomes.
Q: What are the challenges faced by village midwives in rural areas?
A: Village midwives in rural areas often face challenges such as limited resources, inadequate training, and lack of support from the community. They may also face cultural and social barriers that can affect their ability to provide effective care.
Q: How can the utilization of village midwives be improved?
A: The utilization of village midwives can be improved by providing them with adequate training and resources, as well as by increasing community awareness and acceptance of their role. This can be achieved through health education and education programs, as well as by involving community leaders and local cultural values in the socialization of information about the health of the mother and child.
Q: What is the role of community leaders in the utilization of village midwives?
A: Community leaders play a crucial role in the utilization of village midwives by influencing the community's perception and acceptance of their role. They can help to increase awareness and understanding of the importance of village midwives, and can also provide support and resources to help them provide effective care.
Q: How can the collaboration between health workers and the community be improved?
A: The collaboration between health workers and the community can be improved by involving community leaders and local cultural values in the planning and implementation of health programs. This can help to increase community acceptance and participation in health services, and can also improve the effectiveness of health programs.
Q: What are the benefits of utilizing village midwives as childbirth helpers?
A: The benefits of utilizing village midwives as childbirth helpers include improved maternal and child health outcomes, increased community acceptance and participation in health services, and improved access to healthcare in rural areas.
Q: How can the socio-cultural aspects of the community be taken into account in the utilization of village midwives?
A: The socio-cultural aspects of the community can be taken into account in the utilization of village midwives by involving community leaders and local cultural values in the planning and implementation of health programs. This can help to increase community acceptance and participation in health services, and can also improve the effectiveness of health programs.
Q: What is the importance of health education and education programs in the utilization of village midwives?
A: Health education and education programs are essential in the utilization of village midwives, as they can help to increase community awareness and understanding of the importance of village midwives. These programs can also provide village midwives with the knowledge and skills they need to provide effective care.
Q: How can the collaboration between health workers and the community be sustained over time?
A: The collaboration between health workers and the community can be sustained over time by establishing a strong partnership between the two, and by involving community leaders and local cultural values in the planning and implementation of health programs. This can help to increase community acceptance and participation in health services, and can also improve the effectiveness of health programs.
Q: What are the future directions for the utilization of village midwives as childbirth helpers?
A: The future directions for the utilization of village midwives as childbirth helpers include increasing community awareness and acceptance of their role, providing them with adequate training and resources, and involving community leaders and local cultural values in the planning and implementation of health programs. This can help to improve maternal and child health outcomes, and can also improve access to healthcare in rural areas.