Perception of childbirth companion presence and its determinants among maternity care providers in Southwest Ethiopia: Mixed-method study

Background Quality of care is a key focus of the global maternal and newborn health agenda, especially during labor and delivery. Allowing a companion during labor and childbirth is an effective intervention that promotes quality of care; however, the practice is still low in Ethiopia. This study aimed to assess perceptions of childbirth companions and their determinants among maternity care providers working in public health facilities in southwest Ethiopia. Design An explanatory-sequential mixed-method study was conducted. Method This study was conducted from March 2024 to May 2024 among 481 maternity care providers. Quantitative data were collected using self-administered, semi-structured questionnaires and entered using Epi Data, then exported to SPSS for analysis. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regressions were performed to determine factors associated with perceptions of childbirth companions. Qualitative data were collected through interviews using a semi-structured guide, recorded, transcribed, translated, coded, and analyzed using thematic framework analysis. Result Of the 481 participants, only 284 (59%) had positive perceptions toward childbirth companions. Above ten years of work experience (AOR = 2.11, 95% CI: 1.14–3.91), received training (AOR = 3.51, 95% CI: 2.25–5.48), recognizing the importance of companion (AOR = 3.77, 95% CI: 2.14–6.64), and having good awareness (AOR = 2.25, 95% CI: 1.43–3.53) were identified as factors affecting care providers’ perceptions. The qualitative data revealed themes of awareness, perception, and barriers related to companionship. Conclusion Nearly half of the respondents had positive perceptions of childbirth companions. Participants’ experiences, training status, views on the importance of companionship, and awareness of companionship were statistically significant to their perceptions. Overcrowding in labor rooms and confidentiality issues were identified as barriers. This study calls for interventions, including strengthening providers’ training and expanding labor ward resources to support companion presence.