BackgroundChildbirth at health institutions is critical to preventing major maternal and newborn deaths. In low and middle-income countries, many women still give childbirth without skilled assistance. Religious leaders may play a crucial role to promote childbirth at health institutions. So, this study aims to explore religious leaders’ experiences and challenges in childbirth preparedness and childbirth at health institutions.MethodsAfter ethical approval was secured from Jimma University, Ethiopia, and the University of Ottawa, Health Sciences and Research Ethics Boards, Canada an exploratory study was conducted from Nov 2016 to February 2017.Data were collected from 24 religious leaders. Atlas ti software 7.5.18 package was used to assist the analysis. Identified themes and categories were interpreted and discussed with related studies.ResultsLower awareness level, family needs for traditional birth rituals at home, lack of access to roads and transportation, lack of medical supplies, poor quality of health care provision and lack of respect for laboring mothers were the challenges raised by study participants. There was a traditional way of childbirth preparedness but is not matched due to economic status and level of awareness. The majority are inclined to say that destiny of maternal health outcome is determined by God/Allah’s will though not contradicting childbirth at a health institution.ConclusionA comprehensive approach to include religious leaders to increase awareness and positive beliefs towards childbirth at health institutions should be considered. Health institution factors such as respect for laboring mothers, medical supplies, and equipment should be improved. Access to roads or transportation also needs to be communicated to responsible bodies and community leaders to improve transportation problems.
