Acompañamiento y parto intercultural en el primer nivel de atención.

Abstract

Childbirth is a fundamental physiological process in a woman's life. A humanized approach to childbirth implies respect and the right to be informed about the risks and benefits of childbirth, whether by natural birth or cesarean section. This research aims to analyze the intercultural childbirth support provided to women treated at primary care in the province of El Oro, Ecuador. A descriptive and cross-sectional methodology was used with a sample of 150 women treated at the Type C Health Center in the city of Machala. The data collection instrument considered sociodemographic aspects, knowledge, practices, and attitudes toward intercultural childbirth. The results indicate that 43.3% of the participants were between 15 and 20 years old, 36.7% between 21 and 26 years old, and 10.7% between 27 and 32 years old. Regarding marital status, 50.7% were in a common-law union, 30.0% were single, 16.7% were married, and 2.7% were divorced. Regarding ethnic identity, 96.7% identified as mestizo and 3.3% as Afro-Ecuadorian. Furthermore, it was found that 62.7% of women were able to be accompanied during labor, while 37.3% were not. The study concludes that it is urgent to strengthen public policies that promote interculturality in childbirth care, ensuring equitable, respectful, and culturally appropriate treatment for all women, thereby improving the quality of obstetric care in the health system