Women’s attitudes, prevalence, related factors, and perceived barriers of birth companionship in Saudi Arabia

Background: The World Health Organization recommends companionship as a critical element of respectful maternity
care. However, there is paucity of literature regarding women’s attitudes, related factors, and barriers of implementation
in Saudi Arabia.
Objective: This study aimed to assess women’s attitudes toward birth companionship during labor and delivery, related
factors, and barriers of implementing labor companionship in Saudi Arabia.
Design/Methods: This study was carried out in Al Ahsa, Saudi Arabia, using a cross-sectional design. The data collection
took place over a period of approximately 6 months, specifically from 16 August 2021 to 20 February 2022. A total of
418 women who had given birth at three governmental hospitals and three private hospitals in Al Ahsa participated in
the survey. The study included women between the ages of 18 and 49 years who had delivered during the study period.
Results: The study revealed that while around 82.8% of mothers expressed a desire for companionship during labor, only
43.2% actually had a labor companion present during delivery. The primary obstacle to labor companionship reported
by 21.5% of respondents was hospital policies. Other barriers identified included husbands’ fear of being present during
labor (4.7%) and limited availability of time for companionship (3.8%).
Conclusion: The study concludes that birth companionship is highly desired by women in the study area. However,
various physical, emotional, and institutional barriers, such as hospital policies and regulations, impede its implementation. Addressing these barriers and promoting supportive policies are essential to facilitate the provision of birth companionship and improve the childbirth experience for women in Al Ahsa.