The influence of Linda Mama Programme on interpersonal communication between the midwives and maternal mothers at Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital

Abstract

In Kenya, non-governmental organizations and the private sector plays a significant role in maternal health care. However, Linda Mama Programme (LMP) was established when the Ministry of Health transferred the Free Maternity Services (FMS) to National Hospital Insurance Fund. The LMP is free and seeks to ensure equity in the uptake of maternity services during pregnancy and delivery with the aim of lowering maternal morbidity and mortality. However, the uptake of LMP services is still low. This could be attributed to a lack of effective interpersonal communication between midwives and maternal mothers. The study used convergence theory and communication accommodation theory; to establish the influence of interpersonal communication in the LMP between midwives and maternal mothers at Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital, Kenya. The specific questions were: how the information in regard to LMP was disseminated to the mothers; the factors that influenced satisfaction of the interpersonal communication between maternal mothers and midwives; factors that influenced the choice of forms of interpersonal communication used in promoting the Linda Mama Programme at Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital. A mixed-method approach was used, fifty women filled questionnaires with both closed and open-ended questions and 12 were interviewed. Findings showed challenges in interpersonal communication. The relationship between midwives and maternal mothers lacked a holistic approach and ability to address the challenges that arose. Thus, the need for enhanced interpersonal communication between midwives and maternal mothers. The LMP is not well-publicized and the hospital should use multiple communications, and forums to sensitize the public. Research should be conducted on interpersonal communication strategies that guide the forms of communication which leads to creating a friendship between midwives and mothers.