Dissertation Research: Traditional Birth Attendants, Their Training, and Maternal Health in Belize

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This project will support the dissertation research of a cultural anthropologist who will study the effect of biomedical training of traditional birth attendants (midwives) on maternal health in Belize. The objectives are to describe similarities and differences in the obstetric theory and practice of traditionally and biomedically trained birth attendants, and to determine how these groups affect maternal mortality. The methodology includes participant observation, health histories and physical examinations. This research is important because child health and maternal illness are topics of major concern in the developing world. The understanding of how traditional knowledge and practice impact on these can help health care policy makers design more effective programs.