African Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology | 28 December 2019
Innovative Medical Interventions in Burkina Faso: A Community-Based Intervention Study
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Abstract
Sub-Saharan Africa faces significant challenges in delivering effective maternal and reproductive healthcare. Burkina Faso experiences high rates of maternal morbidity and mortality, necessitating the evaluation of context-specific interventions within resource-constrained settings. This study aimed to design, implement, and evaluate a community-based package of interventions to improve obstetric and gynaecological health outcomes in rural Burkina Faso. The primary objectives were to assess the intervention’s feasibility, acceptability, and its preliminary impact on key health indicators. A mixed-methods, community-based intervention study was conducted. The intervention integrated task-shifting to community health workers, a mobile health (mHealth) consultation and referral system, and community savings groups for healthcare costs. Data were collected via household surveys, focus group discussions, and clinical records analysis. The intervention demonstrated high acceptability among participants and health workers. Preliminary survey analysis indicated a self-reported increase in antenatal care attendance, with a proportion of participants attributing this to the mHealth component. Qualitative findings emphasised the perceived value of community savings groups in reducing financial barriers to care. The integrated, community-based model was a feasible and acceptable approach to addressing systemic barriers to obstetric and gynaecological care in this setting. It highlights the potential of leveraging local resources and technology to strengthen health systems. Further research with a robust comparative design is required to quantify the intervention’s effectiveness on clinical outcomes. Policymakers should consider piloting similar integrated models in comparable settings, with emphasis on sustainable financing and training for community health workers. maternal health, community health workers, mHealth, task-shifting, Burkina Faso, implementation research This study provides evidence on the feasibility of a multi-component, community-based intervention designed to improve access to obstetric and gynaecological care in a resource-constrained setting.