Exploring Factors for Self-Referral to Private Hospitals for Childbirth, Dire Dawa, Ethiopia: A Qualitative Study

<i>Background</i>: There is a dearth of research regarding the reasons behind self-referrals from public to private hospitals, both nationally and within the research community. <i>Purpose</i>: This study aimed at exploring factors for self-referral to private hospitals for childbirth in the Dire Dawa, Ethiopia. <i>Methods</i>: A qualitative design was applied for this study. Study settings and participants were selected through purposive sampling techniques and interviewed individually using an interview guide, with the assistance of a voice recorder and field notes. The interviews were then transcribed verbatim, analyzed using an inductive thematic approach. The study was conducted in three private hospitals between August and September 2023. A total of thirteen participants (self-referred to a private hospital for childbirth) were involved in the study and interviewed over a two-month period. <i>Findings</i>: Six main themes were identified regarding the reasons for self-referral from public hospitals to private hospitals for childbirth: hospital resources, staff attitude, staff communication, participants’ perceptions, community rumors, and autonomous decisions. <i>Conclusions</i>: Six main themes emerged regarding the reasons for self-referral from public hospitals to private hospitals for childbirth: hospital resources, staff attitude, staff communication, participants’ perceptions, community rumors, and autonomous decisions. Therefore, it is imperative to develop culturally sensitive and inclusive antenatal care programs and conduct additional multi-perspective research to better address these factors.