The correctness and completeness of documentation of parameters on the partographs used by midwives in primary healthcare facilities in midwestern Uganda: A retrospective descriptive study

AIM

This study was conducted to determine the correctness and completeness of documentation of partographs.

DESIGN

This was a retrospective descriptive study.

METHODS

We included 365 partographs of deliveries conducted from January 1st to October 31st 2019. Data were collected using a checklist and analysed descriptively. The study based on 13 partograph parameters.

RESULTS

About 8-13 parameters were correctly documented in 71.5 % of the partographs. About 38.9%, 24.7%, 99.7%, 22.5% and 16 % of the partographs had no documentation of obstetric risk factors, foetal heart rate, colour of liquor, uterine contractions and cervical dilatation respectively. About 12.1% of the cervicographs crossed the action line and 61.4% of partographs where cervicographs crossed the action line had no documentation of action(s) taken.

Implementation of the Perinatal Death Surveillance and Response guidelines: Lessons from annual health system strengthening interventions in the Rwenzori Sub-Region, Western Uganda

Aim

To determine the health facility-based perinatal mortality rate, its causes and avoidable factors using the perinatal mortality surveillance and response guidelines.

Design

This was an action study conducted in one of the districts in Western Uganda from 1 January-31 December 2019.

Methods

A total of 20 perinatal death cases were recruited consecutively. Data were collected using a Ministry of Health Perinatal Death Surveillance and Response (PDSR) questionnaire containing questions on pregnancy, delivery and immediate postnatal care. We used descriptive statistics to describe key data elements.

Results

We found a health facility-based perinatal mortality rate of 17.3 deaths per 1,000 live births. Birth asphyxia was the most common cause of perinatal deaths. Seven, three and ten mothers delayed seeking, reaching and receiving appropriate health care, respectively.