Midwifery hurdles: Navigating tuberculosis screening challenges in South Africa

TL;DR

This study explores the challenges midwives face in screening for tuberculosis among pregnant women in South Africa.

Contribution

The study identifies specific challenges midwives encounter in tuberculosis screening and emphasizes the need for better resources and training.

Findings

Midwives face challenges such as shortage of screening tools and language barriers.

Improving training and equipment can enhance tuberculosis screening for pregnant women.

Tuberculosis screening can improve health outcomes for infected pregnant women and their children.

Abstract

In South Africa, screening for tuberculosis during pregnancy is a serious challenge. Tuberculosis is one of the leading indirect causes of mortality in pregnant women.

The objective of the study was to explore the challenges experienced by midwives regarding tuberculosis in pregnant women.

A qualitative exploratory research method was used to conduct the study. The study population comprised midwives who worked at primary healthcare clinics in the selected local area, Capricorn District, Limpopo province. Purposive non-probability sampling was used to select 10 participants. Data from participants were acquired using in-depth individual semi-structured interviews. Data analysis was carried out using manual thematic analysis following Tesch’s technique.

The outcomes of this study included midwives knowing their roles regarding tuberculosis screening among pregnant women. They further highlighted their challenges while screening tuberculosis in pregnant women, such as shortage of screening tools, withholding of tuberculosis information, and language barrier.

Midwives should have the necessary equipment and be trained in various languages used in the province to improve tuberculosis screening among all pregnant women.

Infected pregnant women and their unborn children’s health can be improved by tuberculosis screening.