The Partogram: Knowledge, Attitude and Use by Healthcare Providers at Two Hospitals in the South West Region of Cameroon

Fobellah N Nyiawung, Elvis T Amin*, Johnson A Fondungallah, Thomas O Egbe

Background: The use of the partogram is critical in preventing maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. Our main objective was to assess the use of the partogram among healthcare providers at the Limbe Regional (L.R) and Bota District (B.D) hospitals. Specifically, we sought to determine the knowledge on the partogram among healthcare providers, determine the prevalence of use of the partogram, and compare the knowledge, attitudes and practices among healthcare providers on the partogram in Limbe. 

Methods: This was a descriptive cross- sectional study involving 80 healthcare providers who were recruited through convenient sampling method. The study was carried out from December 2013 to March 2014. We checked already filled partograms and observed use of the partogram by healthcare providers. Data were collected with the use of a structured questionnaire and analyzed using Epi-info version 7.0 statistical software (CDC, Atlanta, GA, USA).

Results: Partograms were used in 35% of labour cases during the study period. Just 46.3% of healthcare providers had a fair knowledge on the use of the partogram. A comparison between the two hospitals showed that 50% of healthcare providers had a good knowledge on the partogram from B.D.H as against 7.7% at L.R.H. Majority of healthcare providers (97.5%) knew that the partogram was a useful tool. At the B.D.H, the partogram was frequently used when compared to L.R.H due to lack of supervision and follow up. In our study, 71.4% of the partograms were incompletely filled in both institutions. 

Conclusion: Partograms are used only in 35 % of deliveries. More than two thirds of them have incomplete information. This has been due to lack of capacity building of healthcare providers on the use of the program, which if organised, will play a mojor role in improving labour and delivery care practices in this region.

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Published on: Oct 29, 2018 Pages: 73-77

Full Text PDF Full Text HTML DOI: 10.17352/2455-5479.000041
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