Browsing by Author "Ayesiga, Shallon"

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    Assessing womens preference for labour companionship and associated factors among women attending the postnatal clinic in Mbale regional referral hospital.
    (Busitema University., 2026) Ayesiga, Shallon
    Background: Labour companionship is having a trusted person provide emotional, physical, and informational support during childbirth. The World Health Organisation recommends that every woman be allowed a companion of choice during labour and childbirth as an essential component of respectful maternity care. However, little is known about women's preferences for labour companionship and the factors influencing these preferences in Uganda, including at Mbale Regional Referral Hospital (MRRH). Objective: To determine women’s preference for labour companionship and associated factors among women attending the postnatal clinic in MRRH. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among women attending the postnatal clinic at MRRH. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, obstetric factors, health-system factors, and women's preference for labour companionship was collected using an online structured questionnaire. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with preference for labour companionship. Results: Overall, 68.0% of mothers preferred labour companionship during childbirth. Females were the most preferred companions. Preference was significantly associated with above 35 years (AOR = 0.02; p < 0.001), secondary education (AOR = 2.01; p = 0.034), lack of encouragement by health workers (AOR = 0.41; p = 0.007), multiparity (AOR = 0.04; p = 0.002), and ANC attendance of five or more visits (AOR = 1.85; p = 0.048). Conclusion: Preference for labour companionship was high among women attending MRRH. Strengthening antenatal education and encouraging health workers to support labour companionship may improve the implementation of respectful maternity care