Partograph Utilization and its Determinant Factors among Healthcare Providers during Childbirth in West Cameroon

Abstract

Background and Objective: Early detection of abnormal labor progression helps prevent prolonged and stationary labor, which is one of the leading causes of maternal mortality. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and predictors of routine partograph use in Western Cameroon.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among caregivers in the Western region, from February 1 to June 30, 2024. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. Data were entered into CSPro 7.3 software and exported to R (4.3.3) for analysis. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analysis were performed. Statistical significance was determined using adjusted odds ratios (AOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) and p < 0.05.

Results: A total of 373 caregivers participated in the study. The prevalence of routine partograph use was 72.1% (95% CI: 67.3; 76.6). Less than two-thirds (59.8%) of healthcare providers had good knowledge of the partograph. On-job-training (AOR = 2.85 [95% CI: 1.45–5.81]) and routine partograph availability (AOR = 390 [95% CI: 75.4–7366]) were significantly associated with partograph use.

Conclusion and Global Health Implications: Partograph use in this study was moderate. Interventions such as periodic on-job training on the partograph and ensuring its routine availability in maternity wards are recommended.