Evaluation of partogram utilization in maternity care in selected health care facilities of Bojanala District

Abstract

Background: According to the 10th interim report on Saving Mothers (2011-2013), Bojanala Platinum District has been in the top 10 when ranked, for the number of deaths in South Africa. Causes of perinatal deaths in South Africa could be prevented with proper utilisation of partogram. Utilisation of a partogram remains a considerable challenge in the country, and this prompted the researcher to conduct a study on the utilisation of partogram in Bojanala District. Objectives: To determine the frequency of recording of admission information, to determine the frequency of recordings during the latent phase of labour, to determine the frequency of recordings during the active phase of labour, to determine the frequency of recordings during the second stage of labour and to determine overall utilisation of partogram in selected health care facilities in Bojanala District. Methodology: A quantitative descriptive cross-sectional study design was used to describe partogram utilisation in selected healthcare facilities using a checklist developed by the researcher. After a pilot study was conducted, a sample of 279 partograms of women who delivered was audited. Collected data were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 22 Results: The study revealed that although partogram was utilised in all births, a meagre percentage was utilised according to the set standards. Results of this study revealed that the average partogram utilisation according to the WHO standards was equal to 20% and 80% was not utilised. Conclusion: This study revealed high proportions of unrecorded parameters on partograms in selected health facilities coupled with inadequate monitoring of progress of labour that may have played a significant role in the adverse maternal and neonatal health outcomes. The researcher believes that recommendations of the study would assist in improving partogram utilisation in the maternity set up.