Assessment of Midwives on Active Management of Third Stage of Labour in Osogbo, Nigeria

Abstract

Active management of third stage of labour is one of the important strategies for reducing postpartum haemorrhage which is the leading cause of maternal mortality and morbidity worldwide. In Nigeria, the maternal mortality ratio is as high as 1,500 per 100,000 live births making 10% of the world’s maternal death annually and ranks second globally in the number of maternal death. The aim of this study was to assess midwives on active management of third stage of labour in Osogbo, Nigeria. A quantitative approach of cross-sectional survey was used to obtain information relevant to the research questions. Three hundred (300) midwives who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were selected using purposive non probability sampling technique. Structured questionnaires were administered to the midwives who fulfilled the inclusion criteria after filling out the consent form. The completed 300 questionnaires were retrieved (response rate was 100%) and analyzed using SPSS version 20. Findings suggest that female, midwives who are Christians, working at the tertiary healthcare facility and have been practicing between 1 to 5 years were more likely to have more knowledge and practice of AMTSL. However, there was no barrier identified in this study by the midwives for not practicing AMTSL but that does not mean there are no barriers. Hence, it is important that healthcare agencies should be organizing seminars and workshops on AMTSL frequently to get the midwives who have been practicing for over 16 years updated on the new guidelines on AMTSL and should ensure proper supevision and monitoring to enhance adherence to standard on AMTSL.