Practices of traditional birth attendants in Sierra Leone and perceptions by mothers and health professionals familiar with their care.

Study Purpose: Describe practices of traditional birth attendants (TBAs) in assisting women in childbirth and the perceptions of TBAs by mothers and health professionals familiar with their work.

Methodology: Qualitative design using focus groups conducted in urban and rural settings in Sierra Leone. Separate audiotaped focus groups conducted for each group of participants lasting between 45 and 90 minutes.