Assessment of Knowledge and Associated Factors of Pathograph Utilization among Healthcare Providers in Selected Primary Healthcare Centres in Osun State

Abstract

Background: Prolonged and obstructed labour have been described to be among the common causes of maternal morbidity and  mortality which can be prevented by the use of partograph. Partograph is a valuable tool for monitoring the progress of labour and ensuring safe deliveries.

Aim: This study assessed knowledge and associated factors of partograph utilization among healthcare  providers in selected primary healthcare centres in Osun State, Nigeria.

Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive research design was adopted and a total number of 120 healthcare providers were selected from 9 primary healthcare centres using a multi-stage sampling  technique. Data were collected using a well-structured self-developed questionnaire. All data collected were coded same were analyzed  using the statistical package for Social Science (SPSS) 25 version.

Results: The result showed that 59% have good knowledge. Findings  from the study also revealed that only 47.8% of the respondents had ever used a partograph despite the high level of awareness.(65.2% ). 

Conclusions: This study concluded that less than half of the respondents had utilized partograph despite its importance in reducing  perinatal morbidity and mortality. Efforts should be made to promote proper training of healthcare providers, raise awareness about the  importance of partograph and implement policies that will encourage its routine utilization in primary healthcare facilities.