Table 1 Description of constructs and indicators used to measure maternal healthcare acceptability in a sub-district of Johannesburg, South Africa

Provider

P1

The doctors and nurses (health workers) explained what to expect when giving birth

P2

It is a problem that the health workers DO NOT speak my language

P3

Was your privacy respected?

P4

The health workers understood the difficulty of being in labour and assisted me where possible

P5

Were you offered fluids?

P6

I DID NOT receive sufficient pain relief during my labour

P7

In this clinic are you able to talk to the doctors or nurses in private?

P8

The health workers were too busy to listen to my problems

P9

Were you shouted at during labour?

P10

Were you ever hit, slapped or pinched during labour?

P11

Some staff DO NOT treat patients with sufficient respect

P12

The health workers I saw cared about me

Healthcare

H1

The facilities (including waiting area and toilets) are dirty

H2

Were you allowed to have a companion during your labour?

H3

How satisfied were you with the service today?

H4

Did you get referred for follow up care for you and the baby?

H5

For birth registration, did you get all the necessary documents?

H6

Were you told about the child-care grant & where to go for the childcare grant if you qualify?

H7

Do you think your delivery was well-managed?

Community

C1

I had all the support that I needed during my pregnancy from the father of the child

C2

I had all the support that I needed from my family

C3

I had all the support that I needed from my friends

C4

I received financial help from the father of the child

C5

I received financial help from my family

C6

I received financial help from my friends