Joice Deby Nafi

Thesis title

The Role of Health Providers and Facilities in Women's Experiences of Childbirth in Asia Pacific Countries

Description of PhD Project

In 2020, around 287,000 women worldwide died during or after pregnancy and childbirth. Low- and middle-income countries accounted for 95% of these deaths, with approximately 16% (47,000) occurring in Asian Pacific. High-quality intrapartum and postpartum care is essential for ensuring maternal and newborn survival and well-being. This care must be supported by healthcare workers, with adequate knowledge and skills that adheres to WHO standards.

This study aims to examine the impacts of healthcare workers' perspectives and clinical care practices on the implementation of Intrapartum and early postpartum care on maternal and newborn morbidity and mortality, and women’s care experiences. The study setting is secondary and tertiary hospitals in the Asia-Pacific. I will use data already collected by the Global Maternal and Newborn Health Platform in 75 hospitals.

Supervisors

Prof Caroline Homer, Prof. Joshua Vogel, Dr Fiona Bruinsma

Biography

Joice completed her master’s degree in Maternal and Child Health at Universitas Gadjah Mada, Indonesia. As part of her studies, she conducted a mixed-methods research project on maternal undernutrition among pregnant women in Eastern Indonesia.

Joice has over 10 years of experience in public health, working in both a health sciences college and a hospital setting. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she served as a surveillance epidemiology officer for the Indonesian government. Her professional focus is now fully dedicated to improving maternal and child health.

Funding/scholarships

Indonesia Endowment Fund for Education (LPDP)

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