Determination of sociocultural factors of pregnant women in home

Abstract

Home birth is a common practice in the parish of Lita, Ecuador, influenced by sociocultural, economic, and geographical factors. This study aims to determine the sociocultural factors that influence the decision to opt for home birth in this community. A descriptive study design with a quantitative approach was used, employing a structured 22-question survey applied to 127 postpartum women during 2022 and 2023. The data were complemented with information from clinical records and processed using SPSS software for statistical analysis. The results show that 72% of Indigenous women have completed primary education, while 95% of the participants reside far from health centers, limiting their access to prenatal check-ups. Language represents a significant barrier for 66% of the women, particularly among Indigenous and Afro-descendant groups. Furthermore, customs and traditions influence the decision for home birth in 84% of Indigenous women and 81.82% of Mestizo women. Although most participants positively value public health services, the lack of time and resources reinforces the preference for home birth. The conclusions highlight the need to integrate local cultural practices with public health strategies that improve access to and quality of services, promoting intercultural care that respects traditions while reducing the risks associated with home birth.