Conclusion

Abstract

The Bariba study, by providing an in-depth examination of the comprehensive role of the indigenous midwife in a rural African society, touches on a number of concerns in cross-cultural research on obstetrics. One of the most important issues which scholars and government planners need to confront is factors influencing health care decision-making in various cultural contexts. In attempting to determine the reasons for the slow increase in the utilization of national health obstetrical services in the District of Kouande and for the continuing preference among Bariba women for maintaining indigenous birth practices, a set of salient factors emerged, which it may be useful to review.