Looking into opportunities for maternity continuum of care improvement within the primary health care system in Northwest Ethiopia: primary health care-oriented research.

Background: The maternity continuum of care (MCC) is an integral component of universal health coverage and a crucial strategy for reducing maternal and neonatal mortality. Despite its importance, MCC coverage remains low in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), including Ethiopia, which bear the highest burden of maternal and neonatal mortality. This underscores the need for proactive interventions. In this perspective, the primary health care (PHC) approach holds significant potential for enhancing MCC. Exploring demand- and/or supply-side opportunities for improving MCC within the PHC system could help inform policy, practice, and further research. However, there is limited evidence on these aspects in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aims to explore demand- and/or supply-side opportunities for MCC enhancement within the PHC system in northwest Ethiopia.

Methods: We conducted a qualitative study using an interpretive description approach within the PHC system in northwest Ethiopia from March 3 to November 27, 2022. Data collection included four key informant interviews, three focus group discussions with 29 participants, and 28 in-depth interviews, all selected through maximum variation sampling. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, translated into English, and analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis in ATLAS.ti version 7.1.4 software.

Results: Three themes and 11 sub-themes have emerged. These include: (1) PHC structural enhancement with its categories: onsite mentorship, decentralized ambulance service platform, structural networks, and expansion of the scope of frontline PHC facilities; (2) PHC input enhancement with its categories: expansion of the maternity service workforce and technological advancements; and (3) PHC maternity service delivery enhancement with its categories: community engagement, approaches for reducing wait times, tailored maternity service provision in conflict-affected communities, flexible schedules for maternity service, and integrated midwifery model of care.

Conclusions: This study finds that there are several structural, input, and service delivery opportunities for enhancing the MCC within the PHC system in northwest Ethiopia. These opportunities indicate potential pathways to strengthen PHC resilience for MCC. Widespread utilization of these opportunities could significantly improve the existing MCC within the PHC system. We also recommend further research to assess the impact of these opportunities on MCC.