Exploring the determinants of midwives’ perinatal bereavement support behaviour to mothers using the theory of planned behaviour in the Upper West Region of Ghana

Abstract

Midwives demonstrated favourable attitudes toward bereavement support, yet actual practice was primarily driven by personal attitudes and perceived control rather than training or social norms. To improve bereavement care, health systems should build midwives' confidence through experiential training and mentorship, establish institutional cultures that normalize bereavement support, and integrate bereavement care protocols into routine maternal health services. These evidence-based strategies can enhance compassionate support for mothers experiencing perinatal loss in resource-limited settings.