Factors Influencing Home Deliveries in Kerala: A Focused Ethnographic Study inMalappuram District

ABSTRACT Introduction: The main objective of this study is to understand the factors that influence home deliveries in Kerala, particularly in regions where institutional care is widely accessible but underutilised. Materials and methods: A focused ethnographic approach was used in this study. Participants were selected using the information obtained from the health department. In-depth interviews were held with the women who had home deliveries in the past three years. Key informant interviews were conducted with stakeholders and focus group discussions were used for ASHAs and Anganwadi workers. Results: Traditional beliefs, peer influences, patriarchal decision-making, shyness and embarrassment, fear of hospitals, media exploitation, along with the availability of traditional birth attendants and encouragement from certain unqualified professionals all contribute to home deliveries. Conclusions: There is a need to encourage community participation and create and implement policies to protect the rights of mothers and their unborn children. This will help in ensuring safe delivery and delivery practices.