Qualitative exploration of the efficacy of documentary film in promoting maternal health in Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone has one of the world's highest maternal mortality rates. In response to this crisis, Sierra Leone has developed innovative policies and community-based practices to improve maternal health, including the implementation of the Sierra Leone Reproductive, Maternal, Neonatal, Child, and Adolescent Health Strategy. The <i>Mothers of Sierra Leone</i> project creates short documentary films that amplify the expertise of Sierra Leonean healthcare professionals and the voices of current and expectant mothers. The current study used focus groups to qualitatively explore the perceptions of mothers and healthcare workers in Sierra Leone about the efficacy of short, direct, documentary storytelling as a tool for improving maternal health-seeking behaviors. The salient themes that emerged in the mothers' data included <i>health education and awareness</i> and <i>confidence and trust in healthcare systems</i>. The salient themes that emerged in the healthcare workers' data included <i>trust in healthcare systems</i>, <i>improving education</i>, and <i>impact on health choices</i>. Our findings suggest that documentary film could serve as a powerful tool within low-income countries for encouraging positive health choices, spreading education on maternal and child health topics, building trust in the healthcare system, and reinforcing motivation for healthcare workers to comprehensively care for their patients.