This qualitative study was aimed at exploring midwives’ responses and attitudes towards women in labour, as well as their perception of the pain experienced during labour. A non-probability purposive sampling method was followed, and the data collection methods selected were in-depth individual interviews and focus-group interviews, with the aid of an interview guide for both methods, the researcher being the main data collecting instrument. More than one data collection method (triangulation) was used to ensure the trustworthiness of the study. Concerning the perception of midwives towards women experiencing labour pain, the study revealed that firstly, labour pain is unique to individual women, it is natural and bearable. Secondly, labour pain may be unbearable, and the women in labour need to be given medication for pain. Furthermore, certain behaviour was identified and viewed as unacceptable by participating midwives because it could put both the lives of the mother and the unborn baby at risk; these include: drinking herbal medicines during pregnancy and childbirth; extreme activities like jumping out of bed and rolling on the floor. These behaviours were sources of frustration to midwives. / Health Studies / M.A. (Health Studies)

This qualitative study was aimed at exploring midwives’ responses and attitudes towards women in labour, as well as their perception of the pain experienced during labour. A non-probability purposive sampling method was followed, and the data collection methods selected were in-depth individual interviews and focus-group interviews, with the aid of an interview guide for both methods, the researcher being the main data collecting instrument. More than one data collection method (triangulation) was used to ensure the trustworthiness of the study. Concerning the perception of midwives towards women experiencing labour pain, the study revealed that firstly, labour pain is unique to individual women, it is natural and bearable. Secondly, labour pain may be unbearable, and the women in labour need to be given medication for pain. Furthermore, certain behaviour was identified and viewed as unacceptable by participating midwives because it could put both the lives of the mother and the unborn baby at risk; these include: drinking herbal medicines during pregnancy and childbirth; extreme activities like jumping out of bed and rolling on the floor. These behaviours were sources of frustration to midwives. / Health Studies / M.A. (Health Studies)

The focus of the study was to evaluate the attitudes of midwives towards the implementation of the Choice on Termination of Pregnancy Act in the O.R. Tambo District hospitals in the Eastern Cape. There was no provision for termination of pregnancy (TOP) for unplanned pregnancy until 1994 when the Choice on Termination of Pregnancy (CTOP) Act was introduced. This act allowed any pregnant woman to request TOP when she wished for TOP. The midwives could voluntarily undergo training in TOP services and the designated institutions started offering TOP services, but stopped at a later stage. This resulted in overcrowding in health institutions which continued rendering TOP services. The researcher posed one question to be answered as: What are the attitudes of the midwives who are employed by health institutions in the O.R. Tambo District in the Eastern Cape Province towards the implementation of the Choice on Termination of Pregnancy Act? The aim of the study was to evaluate the attitude of midwives towards the implementation of the CTOP Act in the O.R. Tambo District hospitals. The objective of this study was to determine the attitudes of these midwives towards the implementation of these services in the O.R. Tambo District in the Eastern Cape Province. A quantitative descriptive design was used in this study. The population consisted of 150 midwives from two hospitals in the O.R. Tambo District. The sample consisted of 75 midwives; 30 midwives from Hospital 1 and 45 midwives from Hospital 2. Random systemic sampling was used in selecting the participants. Data were collected using a questionnaire developed by the researcher and approved by the supervisor and the University of Fort Hare Ethics Committee. In the study, using a sample of (n = 75), the attitude on the implementation of CTOP scale had high reliability of 0.81. Data were analysed with the help of a statistician using Statistix 8.1 software for Windows. Approval to conduct the study was obtained from the University of Fort Hare Ethics Committee, Eastern Cape Department of Health and Hospital 1 and Hospital 2 before the study was conducted. The dignity of the participants was maintained by explaining v the topic of the research study, the aim and objectives of the study, the method to be used for data collection and the significance of the study. The participants were allowed to ask questions and the name and telephone of the supervisor were provided in case they needed some clarity. Voluntary, written informed consent was obtained before the interviews were conducted. Privacy, anonymity and confidentiality were ensured and maintained through all the stages of the research process. The finding of this study was that the midwives employed by the health institutions in O. R. Tambo District Municipality displayed positive responses in the majority (n=11/61.1%) of 18 items in the questionnaire. Since the midwives in this study demonstrated a positive attitude towards TOP, it was recommended that the reason for stopping the TOP services in the concerned institutions should be investigated. The following are also recommended: Compulsory training of midwives should include aspects of reproductive epidemiology, in particular, the epidemiology of unsafe abortions. Training in TOP services should continue, so that there will be adequate number of midwives to provide the TOP services, and consideration of special remuneration for TOP providers. Employment of managers trained in TOP and voluntary training of managers working in TOP sections should be considered so that they may provide effective support to TOP providers. Formation of support centres for TOP providers at Provincial and National levels. Education of the community in prevention of unwanted pregnancies by means of contraceptives and indications for a need to provide TOP services, to prevent victimisation of the TOP providers. Availability of a toll free number for reporting victimisation of the TOP providers.