Quality of Intrapartum Care Received by Parturients during Active Phase of First Stage of Labour at a Tertiary Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria

Aim: To examine intra-partum care received by parturients during active phase of first stage of labour.

Study Design: A descriptive cross-sectional prospective design.

Place and Duration of Study: Labour ward complex of a tertiary hospital in Ibadan, Nigeria between June 2013 and September, 2013.

Methodology: Three hundred and forty-five parturients who had spontaneous vaginal deliveries (SVDs) were included in the study. Labour records of parturients during first stage of labour were reviewed and a checklist was used to document data on hourly blood pressure (BP) monitoring, hourly pulse rate (PR) monitoring, four-hourly vaginal examination (VE), half-hourly fetal heart rate (FHR) monitoring and proper documentation of progress of active phase of first stage of labour on partogram of parturients. Pre-tested self-administered questionnaire was used to assess level of psycho-social support received by parturients. Chi-Square test was used to determine relationships between variables. Level of Significance was set at .05.

Results: Three hundred and forty-five parturients participated in the study with 100% response rate. Their mean age was 30.4±3.8 years. 41.4% and 41.1% parturients had BP and PR monitored hourly respectively while 85% had VE conducted on them four-hourly and 61.5% had FHR monitored half-hourly. Progress report of active phase of first stage of labour was timely documented on the partogram in 35.1% of parturients 40% received optimal psychosocial support.

Conclusion: Overall quality of intra-partum care was optimal in 46.4% of parturients during active phase of first stage of labour. Continuous professional education on the importance and application of intrapartum monitoring in decision making concerning parturients as well as monitored provision of psycho-social support are suggested.