The Influence of Linda Mama Programme on Interpersonal Communication between Midwives and Maternal Mothers at Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital

Abstract

The study sought to carefully look into the influence of Linda mama Programme on interpersonal communication between midwives and maternal mothers at Mama Lucy Kibaki hospital. A mixed-method approach was used where fifty women filled questionnaires with both closed and open-ended questions and 12 were further interviewed. Findings showed challenges in interpersonal communication. Findings showed challenges in interpersonal communication. The relationship between midwives and maternal mothers lacked a holistic approach and ability to address the challenges that arose. Thus, a need for enhanced interpersonal communication. The LMP is not well-publicized and the hospital should use multiple communications, and forums to sensitize the public. Research should be conducted on interpersonal communication strategies that guide the forms of communication which leads to creating a friendship between midwives and mothers. The study was done with a small sample; as the study was limited to one Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital. Further research will be necessary to include all other hospitals in various counties with a larger sample size to be able to generalize findings on the health sector. The study further recommends that future studies should be guided by Communication Accommodation Theory and Convergence related to the maternal health should look deeper into the relationship between mid-wives and maternal mothers. The study may further consider researching on how human interpersonal communications influence maternal health to enhance uptake and the sustainability of the Linda Mama programme.
Keywords: Linda Mama Programme, maternal morbidity and mortality, interpersonal communication, sensitize.