Exploration of Factors Driving Home Delivery Practices among Tribal Women in Gogunda Block, Rajasthan: A Qualitative Perspective

Background Pregnancy, while a normal biological process often associated with preventable maternal and neonatal risk Pregnancy, especially in developing nations, most maternal deaths occur during labour, childbirth and immediate postpartum phase. It is estimated that approximately 287,000 women worldwide die from complications related to pregnancy and India alone contribute 25% of global mortality rate. Despite national promoting institutional delivery, a significant proportion of women in India still give birth at home owing to socioeconomic barriers, limited awareness, and inadequate access to skilled care. This study explored the determinates of delivery choices using thematic data from in-depth interviews. Methods A community base survey was conducted among 1,098 women’s who had delivered in last one year during data collection in Gogunda block of Udaipur, among whom 152 reported home deliveries. In-depth interviews with 22 women (11 home deliveries and 11 institutional deliveries) were taken and analysed thematically to identify key factors influencing women’s choice of delivery place. Results Findings suggested that many respondents had no and incomplete awareness for government maternity initiatives. Furthermore, counselling by frontline health worker was irregular and often inadequate. While mistrust in health services and family pressure drove home deliveries. In contrast institutional deliveries sought for their perceived safety, yet were underline by out-of-pocket expenses and disrespectful provider behaviours. Conclusion To increase the institutional delivery uptake, interventions must simultaneously target structure shortcoming within the health system and persist socio - cultural barriers.