Obstructed labour in a Nigerian tertiary health facility: a mixed-method study

Authors

  • Akaninyene Eseme Ubom Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology, and Perinatology, Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, Ile-Ife, Osun state, Nigeria
  • Omotade Adebimpe Ijarotimi Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology, and Perinatology, Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, Ile-Ife, Osun state, Nigeria. Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology, and Perinatology, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun state, Nigeria
  • Ifeoluwa Emmanuel Ogunduyile University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust, United Kingdom
  • Ayobami Omilakin Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust, United Kingdom
  • Solomon Nyeche Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Port Harcourt/University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt, Rivers state, Nigeria
  • Emeka Philip Igbodike St Georges Hospital Memorial Centre, Lagos state, Nigeria
  • Ogunjide Olakunle Emmanuel Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Kwara state, Nigeria
  • Ernest Okechukwu Orji Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology, and Perinatology, Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, Ile-Ife, Osun state, Nigeria. Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology, and Perinatology, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun state, Nigeria
  • John Igemo Ikimalo Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Port Harcourt/University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt, Rivers state, Nigeria
  • Adebanjo Babalola Adeyemi Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology, and Perinatology, Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, Ile-Ife, Osun state, Nigeria. Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology, and Perinatology, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun state, Nigeria

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2320-1770.ijrcog20212937

Keywords:

Maternal morbidity, Maternal mortality, Obstructed labour, Perinatal morbidity, Perinatal mortality, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Obstructed labour remains a leading cause of maternal and perinatal mortality and morbidity in sub-Saharan Africa. This study aimed to determine the incidence, causes, complications and outcomes of obstructed labour at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex (OAUTHC), Ile-Ife, Osun state, Nigeria.

Methods: A mixed methods approach was employed for this study. A 10-year retrospective review of all cases of obstructed labour managed at the OAUTHC, between January 1, 2008, and December 31, 2017, was done. Ten in-depth interviews were conducted for some selected patients. The quantitative data was analysed using SPSS version 24, while the qualitative data was analyzed with NVivo version 12.

Results: The incidence of obstructed labour was 1.99%. Most of the patients were unbooked (217, 90.4%), primigravid (138, 57.5%), and either had no formal or only primary/secondary education (120, 50%). Cephalopelvic disproportion (CPD) was the commonest cause of obstructed labour (227, 94.6%). The most common maternal complication was wound infection (48, 20%). There were three maternal deaths, giving a case fatality rate of 1.25%. The most common foetal complication was birth asphyxia (85, 34.7%). The perinatal mortality rate was 18.8 %. From the qualitative arm of the study, reasons given by parturients who suffered obstructed labour, for avoiding hospitals for delivery, included religion, finance, fear of hospitals, faith/belief in mission homes/maternity houses, and proximity.

Conclusions: Obstructed labour remains an important obstetric problem in our environment, contributing significantly to the burden of maternal and perinatal mortality and morbidity.

 

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Published

2021-07-26

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Original Research Articles