Utilization of partograph by midwives in Lusaka district delivering health facilities.

Abstract

This study was aimed at determining factors contributing to under utilization of the partograph by midwives in Lusaka District delivering facilities. The study was necessitated by the continued reports of under utilization of the partograph by midwives in Lusaka district delivering facilities (Lusaka District Health Office, 2011).In this study, a descriptive quantitative cross sectional study design was used. A pilot study was conducted at Ng'ombe health centre and the main study was done in the nine delivery facilities; Kanyama, Chawama, Matero, George, Chipata, Kalingalinga, Mtendere, Chilenje and Bauleni. A sample comprised of 50 practicing midwives who were conveniently chosen. Data collection was done using a self administered questionnaire and data were analysed using a statistical package of social sciences (SPSS) version 16.0. The study revealed that (90%) of the midwives in Lusaka delivery facilities had high level of knowledge on partograph. The study also revealed that most (80%) of the respondents received adequate training on partograph and majority (86%) respondents had positive attitude towards the utilization of the partograph. However, despite having high level of knowledge, adequate training and positive attitude towards partograph, the results of the study showed that utilization of partograph by midwives in Lusaka district was low (70%). Factors identified to be associated with utilization in this study were; protocol on the partograph, in-service training and staffing levels.