Environmental conditions in maternity wards: Evidence from rural healthcare facilities in 14 low- and middle-income countries

Adequate environmental conditions, comprising sufficient environmental hygiene items (e.g. gloves, soap, and disinfectant), adequate infrastructure (e.g. sanitation facilities, water supply), a clean environment, and hygienic behaviors in healthcare facilities (HCFs) are necessary for safe care in maternity wards. Few data are available describing environmental conditions in maternity wards in rural areas of low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). We collected data on these conditions from 1547 HCFs with maternity wards in 14 countries (Ethiopia, Ghana, Honduras, India, Kenya, Malawi, Mali, Mozambique, Niger, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe). We described patterns and availability of essential environmental conditions, and a regression model was developed to explore predictive factors. 73% of HCFs offering maternal and neonatal health (MNH) services did not meet the guidelines for the World Health Organization ‘six cleans’ (clean perineum, clean bed surface, clean hands, clean blade, clean cord tie, and clean towels to wrap the baby and mother). The items with the lowest availability were clean towels (40%). In a multivariable logistic regression model, HCFs that provided maternity services were more likely to have all ‘six cleans’ available if they: had at least an improved water source; had an infection prevention and control (IPC) protocol; had a budget considered sufficient that included funding for water, sanitation, hygiene, and IPC; and emphasized the importance of IPC within the nearby community. Our results demonstrate substantial differences between countries in the availability of environmental hygiene items, facility cleanliness, and quality of environmental health infrastructure in HCF maternity wards. There are several low-cost, high-impact, context-relevant opportunities to enhance essential environmental conditions that would improve the quality of neonatal and maternal care in maternity wards in HCFs in LMICs.