Barriers and facilitators to maternal healthcare in East Africa: a systematic review and qualitative synthesis of perspectives from women, their families, healthcare providers, and key stakeholders.

ABSTRACT:

Background

In East Africa, women face significant challenges accessing maternal healthcare during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postnatal period. While several studies have examined barriers and facilitators to maternal care, there is no comprehensive review reflecting the various perspectives of women, their families, healthcare providers, and key stakeholders. We systematically reviewed qualitative literature on maternal healthcare in East Africa, synthesizing insights from multiple perspectives and exploring barriers and facilitators across socioecological levels.

Methods

A qualitative evidence synthesis focused on studies from East Africa published between January 2015 and June 2024. We searched electronic databases, including PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Cochrane, Web of Sc

SUBMITTER: Yihune Teshale M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11792318 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature