The Influence of Traditional Birth Attendants’ Spirituality on Their Decision-Making and Health Management Practices in Maternal and Child Health: A Scoping Review

Although vast literature exists on the role of traditional birth attendants (TBAs) within child and maternal health, very little is known about what informs their healthcare management approach, practices, and decision-making therein. Previous studies, predominantly within Sub-Saharan Africa, have shown that women prefer the care of TBAs, which, in comparison to medical health facilities, is reported as being holistic, spiritually informed, culturally competent, and respectful. Even so, there is a dearth of research on the influence of spirituality on TBA’s decision-making and healthcare management practices within the area of child and maternal health.

This scoping review followed the PRISMA-Scr guidelines. The authors used CADIMA to manage the search, screening, and data extraction processes. The relevant articles were analyzed using content analysis, and the results are presented in a descriptive format, using charts, themes, and illustrative quotes.

The database search retrieved 226 eligible articles. From these, only 28 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included for data extraction. The results are synthesised and reported under three themes.

Despite a lack of shared definition, the evidence revealed that spirituality is integral to TBAs' management of maternal and child health and underpins their decision-making in this context.

There is a need for further research to establish a clear operational definition of spirituality when investigating its role in TBAs' decision-making and health management practices in maternal and child health.