Sociocultural Dimensions to Improve Uptake of Midwifery Care in Morocco: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Despite improvements in health care services there are poor perinatal outcomes in the rural and remote regions of Morocco. A national plan was adopted as part of a WHO, UNICEF and UNFPA initiative to reduce maternal and neonatal deaths in underserviced regions. Strengthening the profession of midwifery was identified as a key component of the initiative. In 2008, a Moroccan framework for midwifery education, regulation and funding was established. There is evidence that funded midwifery care is not being accessed by women in rural regions. A scoping review was undertaken to examine the social barriers. The review was conducted using the Arksey and O’Malley’s 2005 framework for scoping reviews. The research stages included 1) identifying the research question; 2) identifying the relevant studies; 3) study selection; 4) charting the data; 5) collating, summarizing and reporting the results. The aim was to identify how the socio-cultural context can impede the uptake of midwifery care and thus impact maternal and neonatal outcomes. Language barriers, cultural differences and gender inequality were identified as key barriers that impact the acceptability of midwifery care in Morocco.