Community member and policy maker priorities in improving maternal health in rural Tanzania

Objective: To determine community member and policy maker priorities in improving maternal health in rural Tanzania. Methods: The present participatory action research project was conducted in Rorya District, Mara Region, Tanzania, between November 20 and 25, 2015. A convenience sample of four community and one policy maker discussion groups were held to identify factors impacting on maternal health. The inclusion criterion for community members was a recent personal or partner experience with childbirth, or experience as a village leader. The policy maker participants were enrolled from all members of the District Council Health Management Team. Results: There was considerable overlap in priorities expressed by community members and policy makers. The most common priorities were to improve the transportation options for women to get to the health facility, the availability of supplies in the health facilities, and healthcare provider attitudes toward women, and to increase the number of skilled healthcare providers. Policy makers also prioritized improved health education of women, improved access to health facilities, and increased power in decision-making for women. Conclusions: Community members and policy makers have similar priorities for improving maternal health, which involve both social and structural changes.