Improving Maternal and Child Health Outcomes: A Community Midwifery Approach in Purwakarta, Indonesia

Abstract

Maternal and child health (MCH) remains a critical public health concern in Indonesia, particularly in rural areas. Community midwives play a pivotal role in addressing MCH challenges by providing accessible and culturally sensitive care. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a community midwifery program on MCH outcomes in Purwakarta, Indonesia, focusing on antenatal care (ANC) utilization, stunting prevalence, and sanitation practices. A quasi-experimental study was conducted in Purwakarta, involving two villages: one intervention village receiving the community midwifery program and one control village with standard care. The program encompassed health education, ANC promotion, growth monitoring, and sanitation improvement initiatives. Data on ANC visits, child growth, and sanitation practices were collected at baseline and after one year. The intervention village demonstrated a significant increase in ANC attendance (p < 0.05) and a reduction in stunting prevalence (p < 0.01) compared to the control village. Improved sanitation practices were also observed in the intervention village. In conclusion, the community midwifery program effectively enhanced MCH outcomes in Purwakarta. The findings underscore the importance of community-based midwifery interventions in improving ANC utilization, reducing stunting, and promoting sanitation practices. Scaling up such programs can contribute significantly to achieving sustainable development goals related to MCH in Indonesia.