# Assessing the satisfaction of health professionals towards the introduction of Maathru Samman pants for normal delivery in the labour room: A multi-site mixed method study from India

## TL;DR

This study explores healthcare professionals' satisfaction with Maathru Samman Pants used during normal deliveries in India, finding high approval for privacy and efficiency.

## Contribution

The study introduces a novel mixed-methods approach to assess healthcare professionals' satisfaction with a new maternity care product in India.

## Key findings

- Most healthcare professionals reported high satisfaction with Maathru Samman Pants for privacy and ease of movement.
- Over 90% of participants agreed that the pants improved respectful maternity care and saved time during labor.
- Privacy in examination and labor rooms was rated with 100% satisfaction across all regions.

## Abstract

Healthcare professionals play a crucial role in the entire childbirth process. In this study, we studied healthcare workers’ response, satisfaction, and demand to use of Maathru Samaan Pants by pregnant women during normal labour.

A cross-sectional, mixed-method study was carried in the year of 2023–2024. The study was carried out in four different regions of India. The health care professionals involved in normal delivery where pregnant women used Maathru Samman Pants, were enrolled in the study total of 20 doctors and 39 nurses were studied using a quantitative questionnaire. For the qualitative component, a total of 14 doctors and 16 nurses’ in-depth interviews were conducted. Six FDGs with 29 supporting staff was conducted.

Of the total of 59 healthcare professionals majority of respondents were female, 51 (86.4), and the age range was evenly distributed, with 22(37.3), 21–30 years, 20(33.9), 31–40 years, and 15 (25.4) over 40 years. The majority, 49(83.1), felt that respectful maternity care was extremely important. Most health care staff agreed or strongly agreed that the MSP helped cover their body 58(98.3). A majority found the MSP saved time by preventing dressing/undressing hassle 53(90), and helped with movement before delivery 48 (81.4). A majority, 57 (96.61), agree that the introduction of MSP is a beneficial step towards respectful maternity care. Privacy in both examination and labour rooms is rated highly, with 100% satisfaction across all regions. Most staff support continuing MSP use, 56 (94.91). Some hospitals require additional laundry services or equipment 10 (16.95) or manpower for washing 5 (8.45). Key Themes identified during in-depth interviews and FDGs were comfort, design, acceptability, demand, past experiences, challenges, advantages, funds, reuse, and additional requirements for implementing MSP.

The successful integration of MSPs into healthcare settings can drive innovation and improvements, highlighting India’s leadership in advancing maternal health initiatives.