Effect of community-based health education on timely referral of high risk pregnancy by traditional birth attendants in Oyo State, Nigeria

Abstract

Globally, women of child bearing age are susceptible to emerging life threatening complications and poor pregnancy outcomes with lack of early detection and timely intervention. These complications are responsible for 75% of maternal mortality globally and the burden is significantly high in Nigeria with 814/100,000 live births where deliveries are supervised mostly by traditional birth attendants. This study examined the effect of community-based health education on timely referral practices of high-risk pregnancy by TBAs in Oyo State, Nigeria. This study employed a quasi-experimental design with one-arm intervention group and control. Sample size of 90 participants was computed for the study (45 participants assigned to each group). The study utilized a 58-item validated questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Result showed that at 12th week follow up, a total of 91 referrals were made by the intervention group to referral points. Effect size (ES) at the 12 weeks follow up and respective value at baseline was significant (16.53±0.27, 7.75±0.27, p=0.00, ES=0.94).The study recommended regular training focused on early detection of high risk pregnancy and timely referral for skilled care in collaboration with trained health providers

Key words: High risk Pregnancy, Traditional Birth Attendants, Referral, Health Education, Maternal mortality