Secondary Health Care Institutions Research Articles

Analysis of patients with acute surgical abdomen due to trauma and evaluation of factors affecting mortality and the impact of COVID-19 pandemic process on patient admissions

Objective: To analyze the patients who developed acute surgical abdomen due to trauma, to evaluate the factors affecting mortality and to examine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic process on patient admissions. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted retrospectively by analyzing the patients who applied to the emergency department of a secondary healthcare institution between 01.01.2019-31.12.2023 (5 years) and developed an emergency surgical abdomen secondary to trauma and were hospitalized and treated. All age groups were included in the study. Demographic data, type of trauma, type of treatment, site of injury, laboratory data, length of hospitalization and mortality status were analyzed. Comparative analysis of the injured regions according to the type of trauma was performed. Data of patients who were discharged and those who died were compared. Data collection was performed through hospital electronic data. Results: 123 patients were evaluated in the study. 78.9% (n=97) of the patients were male. The mean age was 36.43±14.81 years and the most common age range was 21-40 years (60.2%, n=74). At the time of presentation to the emergency department, the most common Glasgow Coma Score was 11-15 (83%, n=102). The most common reason for presentation was traffic accident (40.7%, n=50). Post-traumatic injuries to more than one organ or region in the abdomen were most common (28.5%, n=35). Surgical procedures were performed in 65.9% (n=81) of the patients. The mean duration of hospitalization was 7.14±5.40 days. Hemoglobin and platelet levels were found to be significantly lower at the time of admission in the patients who died (p

Pregnant Women’s Perception of Gestational Anemia and Iron Supplements in Oman

Background: Gestational anemia is one of the most confronted problems during gestation. Nevertheless, the number of pregnant women with gestational anemia is growing in Oman. This study aimed to explore the perception of pregnant women regarding gestational anemia and iron supplements. This study would help us to comprehend pregnant women’s perceptions, attitudes, and factors regarding gestational anemia and iron supplements, as well as to understand the factors behind iron-deficiency anemia among pregnant women. Method: This study utilized a qualitative method directed by a grounded theory (constructivist) approach. The researchers conducted semi-structured (in-depth) interviews with 36 pregnant women with gestational anemia in the North Batinah Governorate in Oman. The researchers selected three primary healthcare institutions and one secondary healthcare institution, intending to reach pregnant women with gestational anemia. Both purposive sampling and theoretical sampling were used in this study. Results: From constant comparative analysis, four categories were developed: “Knowing the Problem”, “Believing in Treatment”, “Influencing Factors”, and “Trying To Manage”. Conclusion: Understanding pregnant women’s perception of gestational anemia and iron supplements could assist the Ministry of Health in developing ways to provide proper education and service for expectant mothers in Oman.

Investigation of the Attitudes of Healthcare Professionals towards Disabled Women in Terms of Gender Perceptions

Background: Gender inequality causes women to be exposed to discrimination in many fields. Gender discrimination against women affects disabled women more deeply. Prejudiced and negative attitudes of healthcare professionals may prevent disabled women from receiving adequate health services. Objective: This study aimed to examine the attitudes of healthcare professionals towards women with disabilities in terms of gender perception. Methods: The sample of this descriptive, cross-sectional study consisted of 234 healthcare professionals. Research data were collected using the Descriptive Information Form, Gender Role Attitudes Scale (GRAS), and Disabled Women Attitude Scale (ADWS). Results: The mean age of the participants was 36.60±8.27, and the average professional working time was 172.23±94.59 months. Of them, 60.7% were women, 34.2% were nurses, 40.6% worked in secondary healthcare institutions, and 31.6% had a disabled relative. The mean total score of GRAS was 54.06±9.61, and ADWS was 62.42±13.79. GRAS and ADWS mean scores were higher in women. The mean GRAS score was higher in university graduates and those working 21 years or more. The mean ADWS score was higher in individuals who do not have a disabled relative. Additionally, there was a low positive correlation between GRAS and ADWS mean scores (p

Nurses' engagement in advance care planning practices: A descriptive cross-sectional study.

To describe and compare nurses' awareness of, attitudes toward, and participation in advance care planning, as well as related facilitators and challenges, in four types of healthcare settings. A cross-sectional descriptive study. Four hundred and ninety-eight registered nurses from tertiary, secondary and primary healthcare institutions, along with long-term care centres in South Korea, participated in an investigator-developed online survey. The collected data were analysed using descriptive statistics, chi-squared test, one-way ANOVA, and binary logistic regression. Participants were on average 30.6 ± 7.3 years old, mostly female (95.4%), employed as staff nurses (95.4%), held bachelor's degrees or higher (84.1%), and had worked for less than 5 years at their current institutions (69.7%). Overall, 49% of the participants were familiar with advance care planning. While most participants supported nurse involvement in advance care planning with patients and surrogates, fewer were willing to engage or recommend it. Less than half were actively engaged in advance care planning practices. A notable challenge was the lack of time due to excessive workload. Compared to those from tertiary healthcare institutions, participants from secondary and primary healthcare institutions and long-term care centres were less likely to be aware of advance care planning. Participants from secondary and primary healthcare institutions had lower odds of checking for the presence of advance directives and the physician orders for life-sustaining treatment. Nurses demonstrated low awareness and participation in advance care planning. Nurses' insufficient time and competency to conduct advance care planning in their practice should be addressed. Educational programs, initiatives (e.g. guidelines, position statements) and legal and policy-level efforts (e.g. nurse staffing, role clarification, reimbursement) are crucial to incorporate advance care planning into routine nursing practice. What problem did the study address? Nurses play an important role in advance care planning; however, limited is understood about their readiness and involvement in such practices. What were the main findings? Nurses' awareness of advance care planning practices and their participation in such practices is low across care settings. Although nurses have a positive attitude toward advance care planning, there are challenges (e.g. insufficient time to conduct advance care planning discussions and lack of relevant knowledge and skills) that impede their participation in practice. Where and on whom will the research have an impact? This study may serve as a foundation for nursing societies in countries, where advance care planning is emerging, to discuss strategies to increase nurses' competency in advance care planning and promote their participation in the practice. The STROBE checklist was followed. No patient or public contribution.

Preoperative Anesthetic Clearance a Necessity in Secondary Healthcare Institutions

Preoperative Anesthetic Clearance a Necessity in Secondary Healthcare Institutions

HEALTHCARE FROM THE CLASSROOM TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

Background: Nurses work in the fields of health promotion, disease prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation. After finishing high school, the title of nurse-technician is obtained, and they can be employed in primary, secondary, or tertiary healthcare institutions in basic medical care jobs up to the complex requirements of progressive care. The ability to transfer theory from the classroom to clinical practice is a key skill in nursing education. This transfer refers to students' ability to adapt classroom knowledge to different clinical practice situations. In order to provide nursing care that meets the standards of professional care, medical school students must accurately and effectively transfer theoretical knowledge to address specific patient care situations. Nursing education programs prepare students through a variety of learning opportunities that include simulated situations in healthcare offices and real-world situations in clinical hospital settings. Education takes place in classrooms, laboratories, and clinics. While the classroom environment provides students with mostly theoretical information, the clinical environment provides opportunities to put theoretical information into practice. Aim: To show the importance of practical teaching in the education of nurses. Method: Literature review, synthesis, and extraction of key professional and contemporary literature. Conclusion: Medical school students can acquire quality skills for patient care to the extent that they are able to implement them through theoretical knowledge in the clinical environment.

Assessment of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Knowledge among Unmarried Women Seeking Care at Secondary Healthcare Facilities

OBJECTIVES This study aims to assess the level of awareness regarding polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) among young, unmarried females attending secondary healthcare institutions. METHODOLOGY A cross-sectional study was conducted at a rural hospital between January 2022 and December 2022. Ethical clearance was obtained prior to data collection. A pre-designed proforma was employed to gather information from participants visiting the Out-patient Department (OPD). Data collection utilized a non-probability sampling technique, and subsequent analysis was performed using SPSS version 24. RESULTSThe study’s findings pertaining to knowledge levels, participants with no formal education constituted 24.03%, while 6.20% had completed high school and 3.87% held master’s degrees. Information on PCOS was relayed by sisters/cousins (13.17%) and mothers (20.25%), and 32.55% expressed hesitancy in seeking information due to shyness. Menstrual irregularities included polymenorrhagia (24%), oligomenorrhea (33%), amenorrhea (15%), and irregular periods (28%). Clinical deviations encompassed menstrual abnormalities (37%), abnormal male hair type distribution (12%), infertility (16%), mood disorder (7%), dyslipidemia (17%), and hypertension (11%). CONCLUSION The study underscores the need for well-structured educational initiatives to enhance comprehensive awareness of PCOS symptoms, facilitate early diagnosis and treatment, and ultimately improve overall well-being.

Information and communication technology: Examining knowledge, availability, and utilization among nurses in secondary health care facilities in Ondo State, Nigeria

Abstract Background: Globally, information and communication technology (ICT) has been recognized as a pivotal strategy for embracing the evolving healthcare landscape. Despite its substantial role in facilitating information sharing, its adoption remains notably constrained in most developing nations. Objective: This study investigated the knowledge, accessibility, and usage of ICT resources among nurses in secondary healthcare establishments within Ondo State, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: The research employed a survey approach involving the participation of 200 nurses. A structured instrument was created to gather data, ensuring its validity and internal consistency. Both descriptive and inferential analysis of data was done. Hypothesis testing utilized Pearson correlation and Chi-square tests. Results: Most nurses, comprising 127 individuals (61.5%), demonstrated a commendable understanding of ICT within secondary healthcare establishments in Ondo State. Half of the participants (108, 54%) possessed ICT equipment in their respective units, whereas other essential ICT infrastructure was notably absent. Chi-square tests revealed an association between nurses’ age and their level of ICT knowledge (P = 0.10). This study discerned a direct connection between knowledge and utilization, denoted by a strong correlation coefficient of 0.738. Notably, gender substantially correlated with nurses’ ICT proficiency as evidenced by a significant P value of 0.459. Conclusion: The research indicates that rectifying the observed disparities can be achieved by ensuring an adequate supply of ICT resources and offering ongoing training sessions for practicing nurses. This approach will improve healthcare outcomes in secondary healthcare institutions in Ondo State.

A Study to Assess the Extent of Burnout Among Nursing Professionals Working at Various Secondary and Tertiary Health Care Institutions of Jammu and Kashmir

The study (Burnout among nursing professionals of Jammu & Kashmir-cross sectional survey) was conducted to generate findings that burnout is affecting patients and staff and inculcate a realisation for action to alter unhealthy situations through interventions to mitigate work stress

Prevalence of Intestinal Parasites among Patients Accessing care in Secondary and Tertiary Healthcare Institutions in Edo State, Nigeria

Prevalence of Intestinal Parasites among Patients Accessing care in Secondary and Tertiary Healthcare Institutions in Edo State, Nigeria

LEVELS OF ACCESSIBILITY OF PRIMARY MEDICAL SERVICES IN THE CONDITIONS OF THE REFORM OF THE MEDICAL INDUSTRY: A MARKETING APPROACH

The reform of the primary medical care link of the health care system became an indicator of changes in the health care system of Ukraine. Considering the fact that the primary link of the medical system was reformed as a priority, the feedback of the population, its assessment of the availability of quality medical care, is important, which will allow determining the consequences and prospects of the reform. The marketing analysis conducted in the article of such three criteria (levels) of the availability of primary medical care services as quality, financial and territorial or temporal availability of medical services in their dynamics for 2018-2020 made it possible to find out positive and negative development trends based on surveys of respondents units of primary medical care. In particular, it was established that during the specified period there is a general tendency to improve the quality of medical services, combined at the same time with an insufficient level of ensuring their financial and territorial or temporal availability. The marketing analysis of the respondents' opinions regarding the main indicators of quality criteria, financial and territorial or time availability made it possible to more objectively assess the consequences of the reform of the primary medical care link. The increase in the quality of medical services, which respondents attributed mainly to the improvement of the attitude of medical staff doctors to patients and the material conditions for the provision of medical services, is actually explained by the socio-psychological factors of the establishment of the "doctor-patient" interaction and the positive effect of the financial independence of medical institutions. The positive trend of increasing the financial availability of medical services, expressed in the survey by indicators of the ability to purchase drugs and receive effective treatment, is due to the practical implementation of the "Affordable Medicines" program, the availability of a significant range of free medical services (under the contract with the National Health Service) and the optimal pricing policy for additional medical services. In the end, the criterion of territorial or temporal availability of medical services, having received a wide range of evaluations (from positive to negative among respondents, testifies, on the one hand, to the positive consequences of the increase in temporal availability and opportunities for patients to choose a doctor, and on the other hand, it demonstrates the unresolved issue of territorial convenience placement of primary care facilities, especially in the conditions of reduction of their network in rural areas. We consider the development of practical recommendations for primary and secondary specialized health care institutions to improve individual indicators of quality, financial and territorial or temporal availability of medical services as a perspective for the study of the problem.

The association between burnout of healthcare employees and quality of work-life in Northwestern Turkey.

The present study aimed to determine the factors that affect the working life quality (WLQ) of healthcare employees and to examine the association between burnout levels and WLQ. This cross-sectional study was conducted with 332 healthcare employees working in Kirklareli, Northwestern Turkey. The data were collected with the e-survey, which included the Personal Information Form, Working Life Quality Questionnaire (WLQQ), and Maslach Burnout Inventory-General Form (MBI-GF). A total of 54.2% of the participants, who had a mean age of 34.45±8.82, were midwives/nurses and 14.5% were physicians. It was determined that 71.1% of the participants had increased workloads, 81.6% were working outside their job descriptions during the pandemic period, and 57.8% wanted to quit their job. In the multivariate linear regression analysis, according to the adjusted models, a positive and significant association was determined between the WLQQ general dimension scores and having professional seniority of ≥10 years, and a negative association was detected with working in a secondary healthcare institution, increased workload, working outside the job description, and the desire to quit the job (p < 0.05). A positive association was detected between the WLQQ general dimension scores and the competence sub-dimension of the MBI-GF, and a significant and negative association was detected between burnout and desensitization (p < 0.05). WLQ scores increased as the burnout and desensitization decreased and the competence increased among the healthcare employees. In order to raise the WLQ, initiatives must be planned to improve the working conditions of healthcare employees and reduce psychosocial risks.

The Psychosocial Well-being of Frontline Nurses During the COVID-19 Pandemic in South Africa

Healthcare workers have been under tremendous psychosocial strain since the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly those on the frontlines such as nurses. This is especially true in low- and middle-income countries such as South Africa, where lack of resources and support exacerbate challenges. Five focus group discussions were conducted with frontline nurses at primary, secondary, and tertiary healthcare institutions in Cape Town, South Africa. Participants reported significant stress emanating from all spheres of their life, with the acute stressors of their work having largely adverse consequences on their lives in their homes and communities. A lack of organisational support was evident, with participants highlighting various ways in which the psychosocial strain they were under may be alleviated. Healthcare facilities should investigate both individual and organisational interventions aimed at better supporting their invaluable frontline teams. These include tailored psychological support services, sufficient time for rest, adequate staffing and medical supplies, effective leadership, COVID-19 specific training, and the promotion of teamwork. However, facilities should also extend their concern to the families of staff by reducing potential risk of exposure through a variety of measures including providing transport and voluntary isolation accommodation. Such interventions are important not only for the healthcare workers and their families, but also for the smooth functioning of healthcare institutions as the pandemic draws on into an uncertain future.&#x0D;

Faktori rizika za nastanak sindroma sagorevanja kod medicinskih sestara u sekundarnoj zdravstvenoj zaštiti

Introduction/Objective The burnout syndrome among the nursing staff occurs when the intensity of the stressor exceeds the realistic capabilities of the individual/employee. This article aims to identify burnout syndrome risk factors in the nurse/technician population in secondary healthcare institutions. Methods The research was conducted at the General Hospital in Loznica in May 2023, as a cross-sectional study on a sample of 58 nurses/technicians. The research instrument was a questionnaire specifically constructed for this study, which incorporated 14 questions related to the assessment of burnout syndrome. The results were scored, and the level of burnout was analyzed according to the Freudenberger scale. Results The majority of the respondents (66%) primarily identified stress in the workplace, as opposed to other studied stressors; 69% of the sample felt overworked, and 27% felt constant fatigue regardless of the amount of rest and sleep they got. By assessing the existence of burnout syndrome, which was carried out based on a point system and the original scale (derived from the semantic differential scale), it was determined that 4% of the respondents were professionally burned out, 15% were affected by the burnout syndrome, 32% were at risk, and that 40 % of the sample were candidates for its development. Conclusion Nurses/technicians are continuously exposed to stress in the workplace due to the very nature of the work they perform. Therefore, the activities of all relevant organizations and institutions should be focused on designing preventive strategies regarding burnout in the workplace. This research proved the existence of stress at work, work overload, fatigue, inadequate working conditions, and lack of self-maintenance strategies and culture of support at the workplace in the observed population.

Survey-Based Analysis of the Clinical Treatment Status of Irritable Bowel Syndrome in Korea.

The quality-of-life of patients with irritable bowel syndrome is low; incorrect diagnosis/treatment causes economic burden and inappropriate consumption of medical resources. This survey-based study aimed to analyze the current status of irritable bowel syndrome treatment to examine differences in doctors' perceptions of the disease, and treatment patterns. From October 2019 to February 2020, the irritable bowel syndrome and Intestinal Function Research Study Group of the Korean Society of Neurogastroenterology and Motility conducted a survey on doctors working in primary, secondary, and tertiary healthcare institutions. The questionnaire included 37 items and was completed anonymously using the NAVER platform (a web-based platform), e-mails, and written forms. A total of 272 doctors responded; respondents reported using the Rome IV diagnostic criteria (amended in 2016) for diagnosing and treating irritable bowel syndrome. Several differences were noted between the primary, secondary, and tertiary physicians' groups. The rate of colonoscopy was high in tertiary healthcare institutions. During a colonoscopy, the necessity of random biopsy was higher among physicians who worked at tertiary institutions. 'The patient did not adhere to the diet' as a reason for ineffectiveness using low-fermentable oligo-, di-, and mono-saccharides, and polyols diet treatment was higher among physicians in primary/secondary institutions, and 'There are individual differences in terms of effectiveness' was higher among physicians in tertiary institutions. In irritable bowel syndrome constipation predominant subtype, the use of serotonin type 3 receptor antagonist (ramosetron) and probiotics was higher in primary/secondary institutions, while serotonin type 4 receptor agonist was used more in tertiary institutions. In irritable bowel syndrome diarrhea predominant subtype, the use of antispasmodics was higher in primary/secondary institutions, while the use of serotonin type 3 receptor antagonist (ramosetron) was higher in tertiary institutions. Notable differences were observed between physicians in primary/secondary and tertiary institiutions regarding the rate of colonoscopy, necessity of random biopsy, the reason for the ineffectiveness of low-fermentable oligo-, di-, and mono-saccharides, and polyols diet, and use of drug therapy in irritable bowel syndrome. In South Korea, irritable bowel syndrome is diagnosed and treated according to the Rome IV diagnostic criteria, revised in 2016.

Improving health-care planning for fracture patients in Türkiye: insights from a nationwide study.

The distribution of fractures may vary according to age and gender. In a country like Türkiye, which has high population density and covers a large geographical area, it is important to understand the regional variations in fractures and identify the health institutions in which patients seek treatment to plan new health-care investments effectively. The objective of our study was to investigate the distribution of fractures across the seven regions of Türkiye considering age, gender, and the level of health institutions the patients visited. Between January 2021 and May 2023, the total number of fractures, locations of the fractures, patient age and gender, geographical regions, and levels of the health-care institutions to which the patients presented were examined through the e-Nabız personal health record system. Age groups were divided into pediatric (0-19 years), adult (20-64 years), and geriatric (≥65 years) categories. Geographical regions included the Marmara, Central Anatolia, Black Sea, Eastern Anatolia, Aegean, Mediterranean, and Southeastern Anatolia regions. A total of 2,135,701 patients with 2,214,213 fractures were analyzed. Upper extremity fractures were the most common among all considered fracture groups (1,154,819 fractures, 52.2%). There were 643,547 fractures in the pediatric group, 1,191,364 fractures in the adult group, and 379,302 fractures in the geriatric group. While the total number of fractures was higher among men with 1,256,884 fractures (58.9%), the rate among women was higher in the geriatric group (67.2%). Geographically, the highest number of fractures was observed in the Marmara region (714,146 fractures), and 67.92% of all patients presented to secondary health-care institutions (1,500,780 fractures). The most commonly diagnosed fracture in the study population was distal radius fractures. The most common fracture in the geriatric group was femur fractures while distal radius fractures were the most common fractures in the adult and the pediatric groups. By understanding the distribution of fractures in Türkiye based on fracture site, geographical region, age, and gender, it becomes possible to improve the planning of patient access to health-care services. In regions with limited health resources, a more successful resource distribution can be achieved by considering fracture distributions and age groups.

Evaluation of family physicians’ anxiety during the COVID-19 process: provincial example from Turkey

BackgroundIn the natural progression of COVID-19, recovery usually takes months in most cases. Comprehensive evaluation of underlying complications requires a holistic approach as in primary health care, which creates additional workload and stress for family physicians.MethodsThe descriptive-cross-sectional study was carried out in 226 family physicians in Samsun, Turkey. Ethical permissions were obtained to conduct the study. State-Trait Anxiety Inventory scale was used as data collection tool.Results214 physicians were included in the study. The majority of the participants in the study were female. Most of the family physicians were not specialist physicians. Most of them were married. The majority of family physicians do not smoke and did not have any chronic diseases. The trait anxiety score of the physicians was 43.40 ± 8.50, and the situational anxiety score was 48.09 ± 11.55. The correlation between trait anxiety and situational anxiety was positive and significant. Gender difference did not make a significant difference on anxiety. Anxiety was significantly higher in patients with chronic disease. Marital status, having a child, and a history of COVID disease do not have a significant effect on anxiety.ConclusionAt the beginning of the COVID pandemic, the greatest struggle was given in secondary and tertiary healthcare institutions. In the following process, this burden shifted to primary health care institutions. This situation has increased the workload and stress of family physicians working in primary care. Therefore, it also increased perceived anxiety. Individuals with high trait anxiety scores have higher state anxiety scores.

Complementary Approaches in Fetal Genetic Diagnosis: Decision-Making Process and Alternative Choices for Clinicians in a Secondary Health Care Institution

Objectives The aim of this study was to determine indications of invasive, genetic results of conventional karyotyping and chromosomal microarray analysis and culture failure rates to discuss possible solution options and guide our clinical choices. Materials and methods Fetal samples were analyzed by conventional karyotyping, array comparative genomic hybridization, fluorescence in situ hybridization. Results Failure rates of chorionic villus sampling (CVS) and amniocentesis were as follows, respectively: 4.5% and 0.4%. The rates of abnormal genetic results in fetuses with only thickened nuchal translucency and thickened nuchal translucency + USG abnormality were %4.2 and %40, respectively. Conclusions Abnormal genetic results showed a significant increase in cases of thickened nuchal translucency accompanied by USG abnormalities. Although culture failure rates in the CVS were higher, none of the cases remained inconclusive. Centers with prenatal invasive genetic diagnosis should offer a wide spectrum of genetic tests by medical genetics specialists.

Core competencies of healthcare professionals in Oman: Research and evidence-based practice needs attention.

The aim of the study was to examine (1) the perceptions on core competencies of healthcare professionals working at clinical settings in Oman and (2) which demographic characteristics explain the overall core competency. A cross-sectional design. Healthcare Professional Core Competency Instrument, consisting of 11 sub-scales with 81 items, was distributed to healthcare professionals (n= 1,543; 826 nurses and 717 physicians) who worked at primary, secondary and tertiary healthcare institutions. Descriptive statistics, t-test, ANOVA and linear regression were used for data analysis. Altogether 1,078 healthcare professionals (628 nurses and 450 physicians) responded representing 70% overall response rate. Healthcare professionals perceived their overall core competence as excellent, safety being the highest, and research and evidence-based practice was the lowest. The multiple linear regression analysis revealed that ethnicity, gender and years of working experience were the characters that explained the overall core competence, where expatriate senior professionals reported higher competency levels compared with counterparts.

Effectiveness of antepartum breathing exercises on the outcome of labour: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract Background Childbirth is a life-transforming intense event to a woman and her family. Even though a variety of non-pharmacological techniques are readily available to alleviate the distress of women in labour, the majority of women are unaware of its benefits. The objective of the study was to explore the impact of a simple non-pharmacological technique i.e., antepartum breathing exercises on maternal outcomes of labour among primigravid women. Methods A single centre prospective, single-blinded, randomized controlled trial was conducted at the antenatal outpatient clinic of a secondary healthcare institution. Eligible primigravid women were randomized into intervention and standard care groups. Both groups received standard obstetrical care. In addition, the intervention group were taught antepartum breathing exercises and were advised to practise daily and also during the active stage of labour. The primary outcome of the trial was the maternal outcome of labour measured in terms of onset of labour, nature of delivery, duration of labour, and need for augmentation of labour. Data was collected using World Health Organization (WHO) partograph, structured observational record on the outcome of labour. Results A total of 98 (70%) primigravid women who practised antepartum breathing exercises had spontaneous onset of labour. The odds of spontaneous onset of labour after randomization in the intervention group was 2.192 times more when compared to standard care at a (95% confidence interval 1.31–3.36, p&lt;.001). Also, the requirement for augmentation of labour was minimal and there was a reduction in the rate of caesarean deliveries (p &lt;.05) based on the χ2 test. The overall mean duration of labour was less compared to standard care group F(1)= 133.800, p &lt;.001. Conclusion Antepartum breathing exercises during labour can facilitate spontaneous vaginal birth, shorten the duration of labour, and reduce the need for operative interference.