Abstract
Background
High infant mortality remains a global health problem, particularly in less developed
countries. Indonesia has one of the highest infant mortality rates in Southeast Asia.
Known factors relate to documented medical conditions and do not necessarily explain
their origin.
Aim
To identify and explore factors that contribute to infant mortality in Papua, Indonesia,
through the lens of health workers’ perceptions.
Methods
A qualitative descriptive approach using semi-structured interviews was used. Twelve
Indonesian health workers participated. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed,
and then analysed thematically.
Findings
Five main themes were generated: beliefs and practices related to pregnancy, birth,
and infants; infant health factors; maternal health factors; barriers to seeking,
receiving and providing infant health care; and enablers and strategies for improving
infant health.
Discussion
Cultural factors were perceived as contributing to poor health outcomes by shaping
decisions, help seeking behaviour and health care access. Poverty, health literacy,
road access and transport, shortage of health staffing, and health equipment and medicines
exacerbate poor health outcomes.
Conclusion
Cultural knowledge and sensitivity are central to the provision and acceptance of
health care by local families in Papua, Indonesia. Recommendations include: improving
cultural sensitivity and cultural safety of service; implementing community health
promotion to enhance maternal and infant health; improving community participation
in health care planning and delivery; and enhancing collaboration between national,
provincial, regency and local governments.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: April 24, 2021
Accepted:
April 12,
2021
Received in revised form:
March 30,
2021
Received:
September 29,
2020
Identification
Copyright
© 2021 Australian College of Midwives. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
