Published in PLOS One on 2026-04-28, this study is presented as an attributed evidence briefing. The excerpts below are the original researchers’ words, reproduced under their Creative Commons Attribution licence. Health Signal has selected the abstract and, where needed, opening background paragraphs; the complete methods, results, limitations and references remain in the linked paper.
Original authors: Dedefo Gemeda Anbesa, Abdene Weya Kaso, Gebi Agero, Girma Bacha, Ayanos Taye
Source: PLOS One • DOI 10.1371/journal.pone.0347161
Read the complete primary study ↗ · Creative Commons Attribution licence
From the researchers
Abstract
Childbirth companionship has multiple benefits and is associated with improved maternal and neonatal outcomes. However, childbirth companionship is an important component of respectful maternity care that is still underutilized in the clinical setting. Therefore, this study assessed factors associated with childbirth companionship utilization among mothers who delivered at a public hospital in Shashemene town, southern Ethiopia.
A facility-based mixed methods study was performed among 411 mothers who delivered at Public Hospitals in Shashemene town from August 20 to September 20, 2021. We entered the collected data into Epidata version 3.1 and exported it to SPSS software version 23 for analysis. A binary logistic regression model was employed to assess the relationship between independent variables and childbirth companionship utilization. A p < 0.05, with an Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were employed to declare the association. For an in-depth interview, the interview guide was utilized to collect data. We used Open Code software 4.03 for verbatim transcription, translation, and thematic analysis of the data.
The magnitude of childbirth companionship utilization was 14.4% (95% CI: 11.2–17.6). Having complications during pregnancy and labor [AOR = 3.25, (95% CI: 1.74, 6.05)], having a future desire to have companions [AOR = 4.02, (95% CI: 1.72: 1.66, 9.41)], primiparous [AOR = 2.54, (95% CI: 1.25, 5.28)], and good knowledge of companionship [AOR = 3.00, (95% CI: 1.53, 5.91)] were significantly associated with childbirth companionship utilization. Qualitative findings also revealed that healthcare providers’ denial, overcrowding of the delivery room, and mothers’ fear of exposing partner/family members to stress were barriers to utilizing childbirth companionship.
In this study, the magnitude of childbirth companionship utilization was low and below the WHO recommendation. Therefore, the study highlights the significance of acting on the health system, client, and provider-side factors, which are important to improve the implementation of respectful maternity care components at the facility level. In addition, the integration of respectful maternity care counseling into routine prenatal care, regardless of mothers’ pregnancy risk status, could enhance utilization. Moreover, addressing barriers to companionship utilization through healthcare provider training, developing clear facility-based guidelines, and improving health facilities’ infrastructure is crucial to enhance childbirth companionship and improve maternal health outcomes.
Background
Childbirth in health facilities is a critical life event that needs quality maternal healthcare services [1]. Despite advances in maternal and child healthcare services reduced maternal and neonatal death worldwide [2], the quality of maternity care remains a problem in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) [3]. One of the important components of respectful and high-quality maternity care that is still underutilized is companionship during childbirth [4]. Birth companionship refers to non-pharmacological components of care where a woman’s selected individual, such as a partner, friend, or family member, continuously provides emotional, informational, and physical support to a woman throughout labor and delivery [5,6].
Reading this evidence
Use the full paper to check the study design, participant selection, comparator and outcome definitions before drawing a practical conclusion. An association does not by itself show cause and effect. A reported performance measure needs its denominator and uncertainty. A finding from a particular facility, sample or time period should retain that scope when it is discussed elsewhere.
This briefing makes the source accessible within the wider research & evidence desk. It does not assess an individual patient or certify a product. When considering relevance to another health system, examine the original authors’ account of context and limitations, then seek local implementation evidence. The related reporting below provides other studies to read alongside this one; it is a topic connection, rather than a claim that their results are directly comparable.
© 2026 Dedefo Gemeda Anbesa, Abdene Weya Kaso, Gebi Agero, Girma Bacha, Ayanos Taye. Excerpts reproduced under CC BY. Selection, formatting and contextual notes by Health Signal. The researchers are the authors of the source study, not members of Health Signal’s staff.
Explore connected evidence
- Evidence brief: Health system responsiveness and its associated factors for delivery care in public health facilities of West Arsi Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia
- Evidence brief: Determinants of knowledge, attitudes and childbirth experiences related to obstetric violence among women who delivered in the public health facilities of Jimma Zone Southwest Ethiopia: A cross sectional study design
- Evidence brief: Preconception care services in Northern Ethiopia: A qualitative exploration of awareness, experiences, challenges, opportunities, and prospects
