Integration of Ubuntu philosophy in maternity care units of Limpopo province, South Africa: Perceived experiences of women

Background: In South Africa, midwives should integrate the Ubuntu philosophy in maternity care services to promote utilisation of maternal and child healthcare services. Women expect to be treated with respect, love, dignity and mutual caring during childbirth. However, women experience obstetric violence, such as physical and verbal abuse during labour, which is associated with poor integration of the Ubuntu philosophy in maternity care units. Aim: The study aimed to explore and describe the perceived experiences of women during labour regarding the integration of Ubuntu in maternity services. Setting: The study was conducted in the six community healthcare centres that were purposively selected in Limpopo province. Methods: A qualitative, exploratory descriptive design was used. A non-probability, purposive and convenience sampling method was used to select participants. Data were generated from 24 women using individual face-to-face interviews. Trustworthiness and ethical standards were considered and adhered to. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Results: The findings revealed three themes associated with a lack of integration of Ubuntu when rendering maternity care services, and two sub-themes emerged from themes one and two; three sub-themes emerged from sub-theme three. First theme: the personal conduct of midwives as perceived by women during labour. Attitude of midwives towards women in labour and midwives’ lack of commitment emerged as sub-themes. Second theme: interpersonal relations as perceived by women during labour. Poor midwife-woman relationship and communication, and abusive conduct by midwives emerged as sub-themes. Third theme: the support system needed by women during labour. Poor support from midwives, the use of traditional remedies versus Western medicine, and a lack of sufficient resources that deprive women of quality midwifery care services emerged as sub-themes. Verbal and physical abuse, poor midwife-women relationships, use of traditional remedies and lack of support could lead to inadequate utilisation of maternity care services by pregnant women for childbirth. Conclusion: Integrating Ubuntu principles into maternity care can improve maternal and neonatal outcomes by promoting compassionate, respectful, and patient-centered care.