LIVED EXPERIENCES OF WOMEN OF THE QUALITY OF OBSTETRIC CARE SERVICES (QOCSs) PROVIDED AT A CARE FACILITY IN ZIMBABWE: A CASE STUDY OF MABVUKU

The quality of maternity care services tends to determine women’s choice of where to receive the intended services. The objective of this study was to determine, explore, analyze and understand the lived experiences of women of QOCSs provided by midwives at Mabvuku /Tafara maternity care facilities with a view to developing a model of care for (QOCSs). The research study was conducted using the qualitative design and was guided by a Giorgi’s phenomenological approach. A semi –structured interview guide was used to collect data from 21 participants after consenting. Four focus group discussions (FGDs) and in –depth interviews were conducted. Ten participants were selected using a purposeful technique after consenting for the initial analysis. Four broad themes and a number of subthemes emerged from the initial analysis: 1) perceptions of the care, 2) communication, 3) The care environment, and 4) fear and discrimination. Participants in this sample experienced a need for support and information and the need for appropriate care by competent and friendly staff that reflect findings from previous studies. Health practitioners need to improve availability of support and information as well as provide appropriate care to clients.