Keoreng, Ezekiel2023-01-272023-01-272022https://hdl.handle.net/10539/34308A dissertation submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Nursing to the Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Therapeutic Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2022Background: Birth preparedness and complication readiness (BPCR) is a strategy to mitigate maternal mortalities (MM) by addressing the three delays associated with timely access to skilled maternal care, identifying a health care facility and getting adequate and appropriate care once you reach the facility. When maternal health care (MHC) users are well prepared for birth and ready for probable complications, preventable maternal deaths can be avoided. Objective: This study aimed to develop a functional and locally relevant programme to guide and improve the BPCR of MHC users and their partners in a multi-cultural urban area of South Africa. Methods: This study used a sequential multi-method, two-phase qualitative approach. The first phase employed a scoping review, while the second phase consisted of two stages in which a Nominal Group Technique (NGT) was used to collect data, firstly with MHC users and latterly with health care professionals. The scoping review followed a five-stage framework laid out by Arksey and O’ Malley and later advanced and described by Levac et al. and the Joanna Briggs Institute. A non-probability convenience sampling was used to select MHC users in the first nominal group, while purposive sampling was used for the second nominal group to determine MHC professionals. Both quantitative and qualitative data analysis methods were employed to analyse data from the NGT meeting process. The researcher verified the collected information through inductive content analysis. Results: The scoping review revealed several interventions that improved the level of BPCR. These included community intervention, mass media and technology, male involvement, ANC counselling & education, and multisectoral interventions. On the other hand, the interview with MHC users also highlighted significant measures that can be incorporated into a programme that can improve their BPCR status. Some of the mentioned interventions agreed with the finding of the scoping review. The partner’s involvement, counselling, use of social media, staff attitude and general pregnancy-related information were the measure raised by MHC users. Conclusion: The findings of the scoping review and NGT interview with the MHC users were combined to develop a programme that was presented to MHC professionals for refinement to fit the local settings. BPCR strategy is one of the ways through which MM can be mitigated; however, we need more studies that specifically measure the level of BPCR in South Africa. In addition, we need to deal with a wide range of factors, including socioeconomic, educational, and sociocultural, that affect the utilisation of the BPCR strategy. In moving forward, to improve the utilisation of the BPCR strategy, health sectors must strengthen their collaboration with various other governmental and non-governmental sectors, including the community, and consequently reduce MM.enDissertation