Maternal satisfaction with childbirth services among postnatal mothers at selected primary health centers (PHCs) of Western Rajasthan.

Abstract

Introduction: Primary health centers (PHCs) serve as the first point of contact between the general public and the organized healthcare system in India. Maternal satisfaction serves as a key indicator of the quality of services provided at the PHC.

Objective: The objective of the study was to assess the maternal satisfaction with childbirth services at selected PHCs of Rajasthan, India.

Method: This cross-sectional study was conducted at PHCs in the Jodhpur district of Rajasthan that were providing 24-hour delivery services and conducted more than 20 deliveries per month. Ten PHC's fulfilling the inclusion criterion were selected by using total enumerative sampling. Three hundred sixty mothers who delivered at the selected primary health center were interviewed to explore their satisfaction with childbirth services. A standardized tool, Hindi-translated SMMS-normal birth scale, was used to assess maternal satisfaction.

Results: Majority of mothers (91%) were satisfied (SMMS score ≥105.5) with the childbirth services they received at the primary health center. The mean score of the SMMS-Normal birth was 120.86 (SD 9.18 and range 96-142). Only age and number of antennal visits were found to be significantly associated with maternal satisfaction at a P < 0.05 level of significance.

Conclusion: This study assessed maternal satisfaction with childbirth services at selected PHCs in Rajasthan and found that most mothers were satisfied with the care received. Age and number of antenatal visits were significantly associated with satisfaction levels. These findings highlight the importance of strengthening antenatal services and tailoring care to meet individual needs. Continuous monitoring of maternal satisfaction can contribute to improving the quality and utilization of maternal health services at the primary care level and reduce the burden on referral and tertiary care centers.