| dc.description.abstract | The World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended Partograph as a labor management tool
due to its impact in reducing obstetric labor complications and maternal deaths over the years. This
labor management tool is inexpensive and appropriate for use in low-resource settings, particularly in
developing countries. Despite the fact that many African countries, including Ethiopia, Kenya, and
Nigeria, have adopted the Partograph in labor management, there is little information on midwives'
knowledge on the use of the tool in labor management. Understanding of how to use a Partograph is
essential for reducing complications and maternal deaths. The purpose of this study was to determine
midwives' knowledge on using the Partograph in labor management. The study adopted a cross
sectional survey design. 45 midwives were randomly selected from 16 public health facilities in
Tharaka Nithi County. Questionnaires were used to collect data. Focused Group Discussions were
also conducted with 77 postnatal mothers who gave birth in the 16 health facilities. The collected data
was analyzed using descriptive statistics (means, frequencies, and percentages) and Chi-Square tests.
Thematic analysis was used to examine qualitative data. Results showed that 74% of midwives had
used Partograph in labor monitoring, while 26% had never used the tool. 60% of the midwives had
received Partograph training. Despite not having been trained, some midwives were using the
Partograph. Findings revealed inconsistencies in the use of Partograph in labor management. A large
proportion of midwives deviated from the WHO's recommended use of Partograph in the first stage of
labor. The study recommended that the Tharaka Nithi County government, through the Ministry of
Health, invest in Partograph utilization in-service training programs to provide nurses and midwives
working in the maternity wing the necessary knowledge and skills for proper Partograph utilization.
There is also a need for policy changes in institutions to ensure that nurses use of the Partograph as a
strategy for reducing maternal mortality rates, improving motherhood, and labor management in the
County | en_US |
