Factors Affecting Utilization of a Partograph Among Midwives in Maternity wards of Mulago Hospital.

Abstract

Introduction: A partograph is a graphical presentation of a woman’s progress of labour. The main objective of the study was to establish the factors affecting the utilization of a patograph in midwives of Mulago Hospital. The study was guided by the following objectives; to examine staff (personal) factors affecting utilization of the partograph, to determine the factors hindering utilization of a partograph and toestablish Health facility /administrative factors affecting utilization of a partograph among midwives in Mulago Hospital labour wards. Methodology: The study used a cross sectional study designwith quantitative methods of data collection. A total of 72 participants constituted the sample size. These participants were selected from the antenatal clinic in Mulago Hospital using a systematic sampling method. Results: The findings of the study found that65(90.3%) of the respondents had heard about the partograph, but utilisation of the partograph was still very low in relation to the number of mothers being monitored for delivery. 34(47.3%) had a negative attitude on use of a partograph and this affected it’s utilisation. 52 (72.2%) of the respondents had never had adequate support supervision when using a partograph. Conclusion Although midwives had the knowledge about use of a partograph, their negative attitude and inadequate supervision affected use of the partograph. Recommendation: Ministry of Health together with Ministry of Education and Sports should organize refresher courses for midwives to review utilization of a partograph for effective use.