Exploring the impact of healthcare workers communication with women who have experienced stillbirth in Malawi, Tanzania and Zambia. A grounded theory study

Background

Communication and interaction with healthcare workers at the time of stillbirth remain in parents’ long-term memories and impact on emotional and psychological well-being. Cultural attitudes and norms influence how stillbirth is acknowledged and discussed in society. There is limited evidence on how women from sub-Saharan Africa became aware of the death of their babies. This research explored how women perceived the approach adopted by healthcare workers when the news of their stillbirth was disclosed to them.

Methods

Grounded theory study. Women (n = 33) who had birthed a stillborn baby in the preceding 12 months were purposively sampled and participated in in-depth interviews (9 in Zambia, 16 in Tanzania and 8 in Malawi). Informed consent was gained from all participants. Data were analysed via a coding process using constant comparative analysis.

Findings

Women sacrificed individualized and personal grieving strategies to conform and behave according to what was expected within their community. An overarching theme of cultural conformity overrides personal grief incorporated four sub-themes: perceiving something was wrong, the unexpected outcome, experience contrasting emotions, bonding with the baby.

Discussion and conclusions

Most participants embarked on a negative ‘emotion work’ to adapt and suppress emotions and grief due to cultural expectations. Inability to voice the trauma of losing a baby may lead to perinatal mental health issues and needs addressing. Maternity healthcare workers should encourage women to express their feelings and grief. Appropriate training in perinatal bereavement care including good communication, appropriate attitudes and provision of meaningful information to grieving women is recommended.