https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3481-6422
Abstract
Purpose
Assessing the risks and preventable causes of maternal and neonatal mortality requires the availability of good-quality antenatal information. In Indonesia, however, access to reliable information on pregnancy-related results remains challenging. This research has proposed a research-based policy recommendation to improve availability and accessibility to vital information on antenatal examinations.
Patients and Methods
Descriptive statistics were used to characterize midwives’ capabilities in routinely gathering and recording antenatal information during pregnancy. The investigation was carried out among 19 midwives in South Kalimantan, Indonesia, from April 2016 to October 2017. Antenatal data on 4946 women (retrospective study) and 381 women (prospective study) have been accessed through a scientific and technical training program.
Results
To date, lack of timely access to antenatal information has hampered the process of reducing neonatal mortality in Indonesia. The post-training statistical analysis showed that the training has significantly improved midwives’ scientific knowledge and technical abilities in providing more reliable data on antenatal measurements.
Conclusion
Consistent scientific and technical training among midwives is required to update their knowledge and skills, particularly those relating to documenting the results of antenatal examinations at different stages of pregnancy and using that information to assess potential risks and identify necessary interventions. This should also be followed by routine monitoring on the quality of collected antenatal data. This can be one of the enabling actions to achieve the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals target in reducing neonatal mortality in Indonesia.
Abbreviations
ANC, antenatal care; MCH, maternal and child health; PHC, primary healthcare center; FH, fundal height; FS, fetal station/descent level; GA, gestational age; LBW, low birth weight; UNICEF, United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund.
Data Sharing Statement
Data underlying the findings of this study are included in the manuscript.
Ethics and Consent Statement
As part of a doctoral qualification, research approvals were obtained from the Indonesian national, provincial and local governments and two ethics’ clearances were provided by the Lambung Mangkurat University Medical Research Ethics Committee, Indonesia (reference: 018/KEPK-FK UNLAM/EC/III/2016) and the RMIT College Human Ethics Advisory Network (CHEAN), Australia (reference: ASEHAPP 19-16/RM No: 19974). Data about the reasons for the research and a consent form (written in both Bahasa Indonesia and English) for enrollment in the study were given to the chosen midwives and pregnant women (prospective study), who all consented to take part.
Acknowledgments
We are thankful to the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) for financing DA’s PhD grant in Mathematical Sciences at the School of Science, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia.
We are also thankful to all medical practitioners and technical groups for their support in collecting the data used in this study, particularly the Head of the Provincial Health Department of South Kalimantan, Dr. Achmad Rudiansjah, Dr. Andy Yussianto, Nani Lidya, Tut Barkinah, Nurtjahaya, and Masjudah. The full list has been given in previous publications. Citation26,Citation27
Author Contributions
DA, MA, and KM contributed to the conception and design of the study. DA, A, GTM, ASA provided the literature review and information summary on relevant research articles and policies in Indonesia. DA performed data collection, pre-processing data, analysis, and interpretation. DA prepared the manuscript. MA, KM, and A provided data analysis, advice, proofreading, and critical revision of the manuscript. All authors contributed to data analysis, drafting or revising the article, gave final approval of the version to be published, and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work.
Disclosure
The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.