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.