Assessing aspects of better birth initiatives: a single centre experience

Amuche V. Nwafor; Odidika U. Umeora; Arinze C. Ikeotuonye; Vitus O. Obi; Nnabugwu A. Adiele; Bobby Iwe; Francis C. Okoroafor; Chuka Obi

doi:10.18203/2320-1770.ijrcog20240112

Authors

Amuche V. Nwafor Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Nigeria
Odidika U. Umeora Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Nigeria
Arinze C. Ikeotuonye Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Nigeria
Vitus O. Obi Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Nigeria
Nnabugwu A. Adiele Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Nigeria
Bobby Iwe Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Nigeria
Francis C. Okoroafor Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Nigeria
Chuka Obi Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Nigeria

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2320-1770.ijrcog20240112

Keywords:

Better birth initiatives, Childbirth, Obstetrics practice, Parturient

Abstract

Background: Better birth initiative is a global initiative that promotes humane and evidence-based care for women during childbirth. This study was designed to assess compliance to aspects of better birth initiative and maternal satisfaction with a view to making recommendations.

Methods: This study was a descriptive cross-sectional study of 396 consenting post-partum women to assess maternity services at AEFUTHA. A sample size of 423 was determined at power of 90% and α-error of 0.05. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 22. Chi-square was used to analyze categorical variables and odds ratios determined. Continuous variables were expressed as mean or standard deviation. P value of <0.05 was taken to be statistically significant.

Results: Out of a total of 423 questionnaires deployed, only 396 were completed and duly returned (giving a 93.6% response rate). Majority of the parturient were between the ages of 20 to 34 years (80.3%), multiparas (74.2%) and with tertiary education (74.2%). Although many (74.2%) were not allowed companions, free mobility (78.8%), food (70.7%) and position of choice in labour (100%), they were satisfied with the care. Factors that likely affected maternal satisfaction were the age of participants, having a companion in labour, having a dedicated midwife to each parturient, free mobility in labour, oral fluid intake in labour and good health worker attitude (p value: 0.002, 0.024, 0.002, 0.0002, 0.0001 and 0.00001 respectively).

Conclusions: There is need to continuously enlighten health professionals on aspects of better birth initiatives in order to improve client’s satisfaction.

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