Maternal health promotion in Samoa: Views of pregnant mothers

Abstract Introduction Child health and maternal health are priority areas for Samoa. Good maternal health is critical for the welfare and survival of the household especially for children who rely on their mothers for their basic needs. We aimed to identify positive and effective mechanisms of advice and support that would improve the experiences of pregnancy for mothers, and improve health outcomes for mothers and babies. Methods A qualitative approach was used with five focus group discussions with pregnant women (N= 32). All the focus groups were held in five different medical clinics four in Upolu and one in Savai’i. Interviews were transcribed and translated from Samoan to English and accompanying notes taken. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Key themes which emerged provided categories which assisted in sorting of more comments to provide understanding and context to the participants’ views. Findings Pregnant women cited physical symptoms, a lack of knowledge or understanding of pregnancy, relationship issues, and barriers to accessing health care and stress as the main issues. Travelling long distances by boat and buses for scans and appointments was challenging for most. Waiting times in clinics were long with little information available in Samoan on TV screens or pamphlets. Many women felt they couldn’t ask questions of the midwives/doctors and often the most prominent issues for women were in relation to relationships and mental wellbeing. Conclusions A lack of funding and transportation were identified as barriers to implementing a sustainable programme to help pregnant women. Clinics should be set up closer to where their clients live so as to minimise travel. The wait times in clinics could be utilised to have pregnancy information displayed via videos along with pamphlets with the proviso they be in plain Samoan.