Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Health Professionals Towards Labor Companion in Health Institutions in Addis Ababa

Abstract

Background: The day of giving birth is a time of unique and intense absorption and learning for every parturient woman because of the interplay of a variety of stressors associated with childbirth such as pain, medical intervention, and hospitalization. Thus, women in labor have a profound need for companionship, empathy, help, and emotional support especially from family members and friends to meet to their needs that the health professional may not be able to address. There is strong evidence showing that continuous support during labor effectively improves delivery outcomes. It is factual that most of the facilities in Ethiopia do not have a policy that allows a companion in the delivery room to accompany the mother despite the dire need. The knowledge and attitude of health professionals towards this support system has an immense effect on the implementation of this policy by the institutions. Objective: To assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of health professionals towards labor companion in the health institutions of Addis Ababa. Methods: Facility-based cross-sectional study in 30 health institutions of Addis Ababa was conducted using self-administered structured questionnaire from March 1 to June 30, 2016. The results were summarized using descriptive statistics. Bivariate logistic regression analysis and odds ratio along with 95% confidence interval was used to assess the degree of association between dependent and independent variables. The variables with significant association were entered into multivariate logistic regression model. Results: Among the total of 378 respondents, 275(72.8%) were females and 252(66.7%) were midwives. Most of the respondents, 239(93.4%) stated to have knowledge on the importance of labor companion but only 167(44.2%) had adequate knowledge. From the study participants, 239(63.2%) had positive attitude towards labor companion but only 139(36.8%) stated it is practiced in their institution. Having adequate knowledge is significantly associated with positive attitude. Health professionals working in private institutions and health centers have the practice of allowing labor companion better than those in government hospitals. Conclusion and recommendation: This study concluded that less than half of the study participants have adequate knowledge regarding the benefits of labor companion though majority have positive attitude. Health professionals should be updated on evidence-based support of labor companionship; and all the stakeholders involved should make the effort in bringing change towards labor companion.