TY - JOUR
T1 - Role of faith-based and nongovernment organizations in the provision of obstetric services in 3 African countries
AU - Vogel, Joshua Peter
AU - Betrán, Ana Pilar
AU - Widmer, Mariana
AU - Souza, João Paulo
AU - Gülmezoglu, Ahmet Metin
AU - Seuc, Armando
AU - Torloni, Maria Regina
AU - Mengestu, Tigest Ketsela
AU - Merialdi, Mario
PY - 2012/1/1
Y1 - 2012/1/1
N2 - Objective: We sought to describe obstetric care capacity of nongovernment organization (NGO)-/faith-based organization (FBO)-run institutions compared to government-run institutions in 3 African countries using the World Health Organization Global Survey. We also compared delivery characteristics and outcomes. Study Design: This is a descriptive analysis of the 22 NGO-/FBO-run institutions in Uganda, Kenya and Democratic Republic of Congo delivering 11,594 women, compared to 20 government-run institutions delivering 25,825 women in the same countries and period. Results: Infrastructure, obstetric services, diagnostic facilities, and anesthesiology at NGO/FBO institutions were comparable to government institutions. Women delivering at NGO/FBO institutions had more antenatal care, antenatal complications, and cesarean delivery. NGO/FBO institutions had higher obstetrician attendance and lower rates of eclampsia, preterm birth, stillbirth, Apgar <7, and neonatal near miss. Conclusion: NGO/FBO institutions are comparable to government institutions in capacity to deliver obstetric care. NGO/FBOs have been found effective in providing delivery care in developing countries and should be appropriately recognized by stakeholders in their efforts to assist nations achieve international goals.
AB - Objective: We sought to describe obstetric care capacity of nongovernment organization (NGO)-/faith-based organization (FBO)-run institutions compared to government-run institutions in 3 African countries using the World Health Organization Global Survey. We also compared delivery characteristics and outcomes. Study Design: This is a descriptive analysis of the 22 NGO-/FBO-run institutions in Uganda, Kenya and Democratic Republic of Congo delivering 11,594 women, compared to 20 government-run institutions delivering 25,825 women in the same countries and period. Results: Infrastructure, obstetric services, diagnostic facilities, and anesthesiology at NGO/FBO institutions were comparable to government institutions. Women delivering at NGO/FBO institutions had more antenatal care, antenatal complications, and cesarean delivery. NGO/FBO institutions had higher obstetrician attendance and lower rates of eclampsia, preterm birth, stillbirth, Apgar <7, and neonatal near miss. Conclusion: NGO/FBO institutions are comparable to government institutions in capacity to deliver obstetric care. NGO/FBOs have been found effective in providing delivery care in developing countries and should be appropriately recognized by stakeholders in their efforts to assist nations achieve international goals.
KW - Africa
KW - faith-based organization
KW - nongovernment organization
KW - obstetric care
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=84869412791&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1016/j.ajog.2012.10.003
DO - 10.1016/j.ajog.2012.10.003
M3 - Article
C2 - 23174389
AN - SCOPUS:84869412791
SN - 0002-9378
VL - 207
SP - 495.e1-495.e7
JO - American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
JF - American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
IS - 6
ER -