Are trained delivery assistants better than non-trained personnel in practicing essential newborn care in home deliveries? Evidence from a nationally representative survey in Bangladesh.

BACKGROUND

In Bangladesh, the neonatal mortality rate has remained relatively high at 23 deaths per 1000 live births. Consistent adoption of essential newborn care (ENC) practices should lower this rate significantly. This study assessed whether the presence of skilled birth attendants (SBAs) in home deliveries improved ENC practices in Bangladesh.

METHODS

Data from the Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey 2014 on mothers who reported home birth in the previous 3 y was utilized (n=2761 out of 4904 total births). SBAs include all types of healthcare providers who have received formal training in obstetric care. A generalized structural equation model was used to explore factors affecting (1) utilization of antenatal care, (2) choice of birth attendants and (3) adoption of ENC practices.

RESULTS

One-quarter (25.7%) of home births were delivered by an SBA. SBAs performed ENC practices more often than traditional birth attendants (thermal care, 15.0% of skilled deliveries vs 10.1% of unskilled; cord care, 71.6% vs 62.9%; early breastfeeding, 63.9% vs 58.6%). The presence of an SBA during delivery resulted in a greater likelihood of receiving ENC practices.

CONCLUSION

Although SBAs performed the recommended activities at a higher rate than the unskilled across all outcomes, the proportion of SBAs performing ENC practices is still low. It is important for policymakers to identify strategies to improve the effectiveness of SBAs in home deliveries.