Table 2

Matrix of qualitative research analysis

NodesSubnodes
Community experience with CMWs and TBAs

  • Availability of CMWs have empowered women for healthcare seeking

  • The community has trust and faith in TBAs and their services

Linkage of TBAs with a formal health system

  • TBAs have a pivotal role in health promotion activities such as health messages on breast feeding, mother and child immunisation.

  • TBAs must assist the CMW who is naïve to reproductive health matters.

  • TBAs can be involved in linking high-risk cases to the CMW and health facility

Role of TBAs in supporting obstetric care

  • TBAs assist the CMW in delivery, identify expectant mothers with high risks, refer such cases to the formal health system, and support postnatal care

Linkages and co-ordination among TBAs and CMWs

  • Mixed responses in terms of relationship between CMWs and TBAs

  • VHC is an active forum for co-ordination

  • Co-ordination is better at places where TBA gets some share of CMW income

Livelihood of TBAs

  • CMWs could offer some incentives to TBAs to strengthen referrals and assistance in skilled delivery

  • VHCs decide TBA incentive share of CMW income

  • The community pays in-kind contribution to recognise the services of TBAs

  • CMWs, community midwives; TBA, traditional birth attendant; VHC, village health committee.