Mapping Evidence on the Frameworks that Integrate Traditional Birth Attendants into Formal Health Systems in Low-Middle Income Countries: A Scoping Review.
No Thumbnail Available
Date
2025
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
International Journal of Sub-Saharan African Research (IJSSAR)
Abstract
Background: In many countries, traditional birth attendants (TBAs) function
independently from the formal health system and thus their practice is often unregulated.
The paucity of data and lack of institutionalised feedback between TBAs and Healthcare
providers (HCPs) may hinder safe maternal and newborn healthcare practices.
Objective: This scoping review explored studies that have been published of frameworks
that integrate TBAs into formal health system in low-and-middle income countries
(LMICs).
Method: Utilising the 2022 Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology for scoping
reviews; the search strategy yielded 243 peer reviewed articles that were published
between 2014-2024. Only 11 articles met the inclusion criteria and were thus included in
the final review.
Result: The review found that integrative frameworks are built on the need to improve
maternal and newborn care rendered by TBAs and secondly, the need to empower
community-based maternity care facilitated by TBAs is underscored.
Conclusion: Although, TBAs fill the gap by rendering assistance to pregnant women and
newborns in LMICs the lack of collaborative frameworks and implementation thereof requires
intentional institutionalisation especially in areas where homebirths are still prioritised.
Unique contribution: This scoping review maps the evidence of existing frameworks that
integrate TBAs into formal health systems in LMICs which aimed at narrowing the
communication gap between TBAs and formal HCPs.
Key recommendation: There is a need for LMICs to explore modifying and implementing the
frameworks presented herein to improve the care provided to women and babies.
Description
Keywords
framework, integration, formal health system, low-and-middle income countries, traditional birth attendants
Citation
Haikera, H. K., Mahalie, R., & Shoopala, S. (2025). Mapping Evidence On The Frameworks That Integrate Traditional Birth Attendants Into Formal Health Systems In Low-Middle Income Countries: A Scoping Review. International Journal of Sub-Saharan African Research, 3(3), 116-136.https://www.ijssar.com/paper/mapping-evidence-on-the-frameworks-that-integrate-traditional-birth-attendants-into-formal-health-systems-in-low-middle-income-countries-a-scoping