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Table 1 Themes that emerged from FGDs and semi-structured interviews

From: Factors influencing place of delivery for pastoralist women in Kenya: a qualitative study

Topics

Themes

Accessing health facilities

Remote locations of group ranches

 - long distance to health facilities

 - poor roads

 - limited transport

 - cost of transport

Perceived quality of SBA care

Poor quality services

 - negative attitudes of SBAs

 - verbal and/or physical abuse

 - left alone during delivery

 - cold environment

Shame

 - being naked during facility deliveries

 - being attended by male doctors or nurses

Education

Intersection of education and gender

 - women’s lack of health awareness

 - men’s ignorance of women’s health

 - men’s control of decision-making

Preference for home births

TBAs are highly valued community members

 - high prestige of TBAs in community

 - community trust and confidence in TBAs

 - ease of availability

 - familiarity to community members

Observations of traditions

 - birth rituals can be observed

 - cultural practices and beliefs about births are respected

 - association of illness with health facilities

Weakness vs bravery

 - women who deliver alone are courageous

 - women who deliver in health facilities are weak

Unassisted births

 - ease of delivering alone

 - able to conceal non-circumcision from others

Working throughout pregnancy

 - delivery date unknown

 - short or no labour pain

 - women’s work responsibilities