Improving the Knowledge and Awareness of Labor Care Providers on Respectful Maternal Care in Sri Lanka: An Intervention Using Spiritual Principles

Abstract

Respectful care during labor can improve obstetric outcomes in many ways, while abusive and disrespectful care may lead to poor obstetric outcomes. Many factors, including lack of knowledge, poor attitude toward supportive care, and subjective norms, influence the behavior of healthcare providers, leading to abusive and disrespectful care. We developed and implemented a workshop on respectful maternity care (RMC) for healthcare providers, highlighting spiritual principles that closely resonated with the cultural background of the participants. This workshop included a presentation by a Buddhist priest who emphasized the importance of compassionate and RMC according to four Buddhist principles known as the Brahma-vihāras: Metta, Karuna, Muditha, and Upekkha. Core Buddhist principles were connected with domains of RMC in a culturally appropriate manner to improve the knowledge, awareness, and attitudes toward compassionate, supportive, and respectful care among labor care providers in Sri Lanka. A total of 116 labor care providers participated in the workshop, and feedback was received from 115 (99.1%). One hundred seven (93.0%) reported improvement in their knowledge of RMC, and 109 (94.8%) reported improvement in attitudes toward RMC after attending this program. 110 (95.6%) agreed that the inclusion of this approach to the standard scientific program was thought-provoking. The results suggest that the inclusion of spiritual principles would resonate with the majority of labor care providers, and further studies are warranted to explore the impact.