Knowledge and utilization of the partograph among obstetric care givers in South West Nigeria

This cross-sectional study assessed knowledge and utilization of the partograph among health care workers in southwestern Nigeria. Respondents were selected by multi-stage sampling method from primary; secondary and tertiary level care. 719 respondents comprising of CHEWS - 110 (15.3); Auxiliary Nurses - 148 (20.6); Nurse/Midwives - 365 (50.6); Physicians - 96 (13.4) were selected from primary (38.2); secondary (39.1) and tertiary levels (22.7). Only 32.3used the partograph to monitor women in labour. Partograph use was reported significantly more frequently by respondents in tertiary level compared with respondents from primary/secondary levels of care (82.4vs. 19.3; X2 = 214.6; p 0.0001). Only 37.3of respondents who were predominantly from the tertiary level of care could correctly mention at least one component of the partograph (X2 = 139.1; p 0.0001). The partograph is utilized mainly in tertiary health facilities; knowledge about the partograph is poor. Though affordable; the partograph is commonly not used to monitor the Nigerian woman in labour

Incidence and causes of maternal mortality in five Kampala hospitals; 1980-1986

This report presents results of a descriptive study to estimate the mortality rate; identify the type and the causes of maternal deaths. The study was conducted in 1987 in Kampala hospitals for a period covering seven years from 1st January 1980 to 31st December; 1986. The non abortion maternal mortality rate (NAMMR) was 2.65 per 1000 deliveries while the abortion related maternal mortality rate (ARMMR) was 3.58 per 1000 abortions. There was a statistically significant increase in NAMMR while the increase in ARMMR was almost significant over the seven year period. Of all maternal deaths; 80 per cent were non abortion while 20 per cent were abortion related. The commonest immediate causes of death; in order of importance; were sepsis; haemorrhage; ruptured uterus; anaesthesia and anaemia. The commonest patient management factors which contributed to death; in order of importance; were lack of blood for transfusion; lack of drugs and intravenous fluids; theatre problems and doctor related factors. We feel that a lot happens to the pregnant mother before she finally reaches a health unit for delivery and that there is a great need to improve on the community's gynaecological and obstetrical services as well as ambulance and emergency services. We also feel that maternal mortality in developing countries could be reduced if the health workers were imaginative in respect to each patient; tried not to operate as though they were working in a developed country; and created relevant solutions for the local problems.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)