Utilisation of Partograph among Obstetric Caregivers in Primary Healthcare Centres in Southeast State in Nigeria

Abstract

The use of partograph in managing labour is imperative to decrease obstetric issues associated with child birth. Prolonged and obstructed labour is a major cause of maternal mortalityThe purpose of this study was to assess the level of utilization of partographs in providing care for…. among Obstetric care providers in healthcare centers in Orlu Local Government Area of Imo State, southeast Nigeria. A descripive design was adopted for the study. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data from obstetric care giver; a structured validated proforma was also used to collect data from patient records in all the health centres. SPSS version 24 was used to analyze the data, and the results were presented in tables. Result showed that partograph utilization was poor as only only 1(0.6%) showed record of descent 2(1.3%) had record of cervical dilatation plotted four hourly apart. In none was the alert line reached nor any drug given. On the recordings for second stage of labour in the partograph table three showed information on maternal monitoring, it showed that blood pressure, pulse, and temperature were documented on the 3(1.90%) partographs, but no information on nature of urine (protein, acetone or volume) was done. The study suggests that the poor Partograph utilization by obstetric care givers could be due to some factors which will require investigation. It is however recommended that further training should be required to improve the use of partograph.