ABSTRACT
Background: Obstructed labour and ruptured uterus contribute a significant proportion to the alarming maternal mortality ratio in sub-Saharan Africa. Proper management of labour by using the partograph, a simple tool that is designed to detect early signs of abnormal progress, can significantly reduce incidence and complications of prolonged labour. Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the knowledge and utilization of the partograph among non-physician obstetric health care providers in University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH). Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional survey which employed the use of a semi-structured self-administered questionnaire with purposive sampling conducted among 132 consenting non-physician obstetric health care providers in UCTH. Results: The mean age of the respondents was 37.84±9.38 years. About 66% of them used partograph but only 13.6% of those who had used partograph were very confident with the tool in monitoring labour. Fifty-six percent of them had received formal training on partograph. Only 34 percent of those surveyed could correctly interpret various sections of the partograph, like the cervicogram. The main reasons for non-utilization of the partograph were inadequate knowledge (73.5%), non-availability (46.2%) and shortage of manpower (34.8%). Knowledge of the partograph (X2=38.1, P=.00) and partograph availability (X2=52.5, P=.00) significantly affected its utilization. Years of experience did not significantly influence partograph use. Conclusion: The knowledge and utilization of the partograph in our hospital can be enhanced by periodic training and retraining of obstetric care givers, developing protocols, ensuring its availability, as well as increasing the staff strength in the delivery units.