Knowledge and utilisation of partograph by Midwives in public health facilities in the Cape Coast Metropolis

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to find out midwives’ level of knowledge and utilisation of the partograph in the Cape Coast Metropolis. Five public health facilities within the Cape Coast Metropolis were selected for the study. Quantitative cross sectional study design was adopted to collect data from 150 midwives at the maternity units of the five public health facilities. Univariate analysis was used to summarize data in terms of frequency distributions of the variables under study. The findings revealed that 78% of midwives in the Cape Coast Metropolis have fair knowledge on partograph and why it is necessary to use it in the management of labour. A significant percentage of the midwives perceived that using the partograph would improve the maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality situation in the Metropolis. Over 97% of the midwives reported that they used the partograph to monitor mothers in labour. The study also found that the use of the partograph was affected by factors like inadequate knowledge, lack of periodic training of obstetric care givers on the use of new versions of partograph and lack of positive attitude towards the use of the partograph charts. There was no significant difference between the years of service and utilisation of partograph. The Cape Coast Metropolitan Health Directorate needs to offer occasional orientation for all midwives on the newer versions of partograph and their use. This will ensure their maximum utilisation as intended by the World Health Organization.