Midwives' knowledge of the use of the partograph in the regional training hospitals of Windhoek and Oshakati in Namibia

Abstract

Abstract provided by author:

A study done by Tromp (1993:66) in Windhoek Training Hospital, indicated that midwives do not correctly record/use the partograph as an observational tool during the management of the first stage of labor

This study assesses and describes midwives' knowledge regarding the use of the partograph in Oshakati and Windhoek regional training hospitals. The practicing midwives allocated to the Training hospital are responsible for training of the students' in skills and experience during their years of training to become registered midwives

The respondents' knowledge in the monitoring of the progress of labor, maternal and fetal monitoring and management during the first stage of labor, and the plotting and recording on the partograph were described

A quantitative, descriptive research design were conducted. Structured questionnaires under direct supervision of the researcher were used to collect datal using a sample consisted of (n=70) midwivesl which were drawn randomly. A total of (N=65) responses have been used in the data analysis, which was done using a software package of SPSS. Five (5) of the respondents did not participate at all. Respondents with higher qualifications Registered General nursel community, Psychiatry I midwife (RNCPM) and longer training four (4) years display more knowledge of the management of labor I especially in maternal monitoring and managemen4 but reflected less knowledge in fetal monitoring and management during labor

Respondents indicated problems they encountered while using the partograph as a tool in labor management because of shortcomings on the cervical design. The study recommends strongly that the Ministry of Health provide a manual in the recording and use of the partograph for practicing midwives regarding the management of maternal and fetal care during labor