Community-based maternal and newborn care: A concept analysis

BACKGROUND: Community-based care can serve as a valuable programme in the provision of essential maternal and newborn care, specifically in communities in low-income countries. However, its application in maternal and newborn care is not clearly documented in relation to the rendering of services by skilled birth attendants. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the analysis was to clarify the meaning of the concept 'community-based maternal and newborn care and its relationship to maternal and newborn health'. METHOD: Walker and Avant's and Rodgers and Knafl's as well as Chin and Kramer's approaches to concept analysis were followed to analyse community-based maternal and newborn care. RESULTS: The attributes of community-based care in maternal and newborn health include (1) the provision of home- and/or community-level skilled care, (2) linkages of health services and (3) community participation and mobilisation. These attributes are influenced by antecedents as well as consequences. CONCLUSION: The provision of good maternal and newborn care to all clients is a crucial aspect in provision of maternal and newborn services. In order for low-income countries to promote maternal and newborn health, community-based care services are the best option to follow.