Table 2.

Themes and sub-themes from focus group discussions (FGDs) with facilitators and maternal and newborn health groups (MNHGs)

		Themes and sub-themes from FGD with facilitators	Themes and sub-themes from FGDs with MNHGs
Barriers	Money	Lack of money – a challenge for implementing a project successfully	A rare project without money
		• Reimbursing all a necessity	• Salaries are needed, especially for low paid group members
		• Money a part of project culture in
		• A lack of resources to include all	• Funds are necessary for running a project
		• Managing without money
	Support / Obstacles MNHGs	Support – an imperfect necessity
		• Facilitator training did not fit recipients needs
		• Facilitators are supported by supervision if appropriately provided
		• Lack of proper top-down support reduces the good spirit
			Obstacles for MNHGs to fully function
			• Barriers to reach population and for population to reach health care
			• NeoKIP unknown to people
			• The MNHG did not function fully
			• MNHG members lacking knowledge
			• Organisations’ support needed for MNHGs
Process	The facilitators	Being the facilitator is challenging, complex and requires versatility	The Facilitator – a new yet aporetic role
		• Performance and skills increase over time	• The facilitator involves in meetings and activities in an enthusiastic way
		• Being a successful facilitator requires various skills and commitment	• The facilitator should be local and not change frequently
		• Lacking medical knowledge – an aggravating factor	• The facilitator - a person with surprising lack of clinical knowledge
		• Lacking confidence in the ability to function as facilitator	• The facilitator, an unnecessary person that neither provides nor receives support of importance
		• Adapting to local culture is key
		• A good relationship between facilitator and MNHG, particularly the chair, facilitates a project
	The MNHGs	Facilitating a diverse group with conservative and hierarchical characteristics	Meet regularly, identify problems and choose communication strategies
		• Joining several organisations in collaboration	• Regular meetings involving all, with chair as a decision maker
		• Facing negative attitudes and actions	• Targeting pregnant women first then newborns
		• Chairs’ behaviour influence group behaviour	• Communication – a universal solution for most targeted problems
		• Engagement and enthusiasm increased over time
	Impact		Nothing new and time-consuming, yet positive outcomes
			• Nothing provided but words
			• Not new, but time-consuming
			• Increasing focus, knowledge and skills through collaborative group
			• Increased awareness and use of health care among population