The challenges that affect the midwives in termination of pregnancy at Bohlabela district in Limpopo province

Abstract

The study sought to develop guidelines that are aimed at improving Termination of Pregnancy (TOP) services that are rendered by public hospital based midwives. The researcher applied a qualitative and descriptive design. The study targeted midwives in the Bohlabela District, which has three hospitals. A non-probability purposive sampling was used to 6 midwives who are currently conducting TOP services in the hospitals. Data collection was both in-depth and conducted in face-to-face interviews with each participant. The findings of the study were analyzed, categorized into sub-themes, and revealed that midwives who conduct TOP services experience the following challenges, namely: inadequate human resource, poor infrastructure, lack of equipments, poor management support, and lack of support from doctors. Based on the findings of the study, it is imperative that all hospitals be designated centres for TOP services, so as to reduce the workload in the few hospitals that currently are inundated. The infrastructure needs to be improved, information about TOP services to the public has to be disseminated through awareness campaigns, and scarce skills allowances must be introduced. In addition, more staff members need to be employed. The study further recommends that the TOP policy guideline be reviewed in terms of allowing other competent health professionals to perform TOP. Chapter two discusses the literature review regarding the challenges that affect midwives who conduct TOP. In this study, theresearch compares the practice of TOP by the developing and developed countries, looks at related to laws at on TOP; gives an overview of sterilization Act in South Africa; mentions the amendments of laws on TOP; considers other legal restrictions; presents mandatory counseling for TOP clients; focuses on religious, cultural and traditional beliefs. The researcher has consulted different literatures, journals articles and website on challenges that affect midwives in rendering TOP in Limpopo, South Africa and world wild. Chapter three presents research methodology that consists of research design; area of study; population; sampling method; data collection method and procedure; ensuring trust worthiness; and ethical consideration, to be followed by limitation of the study. Chapter deals with data analysis and interpretation. Chapter five presents the researcher’s conclusions and recommendations.