Level of partograph completeness in Kyenjojo District health facilities, Mid-Western Uganda

Abstract

Introduction: A partograph is one of the most valuable decision making tools that helps to detect complications during labor for timely intervention. However, most health care workers do not document their findings on a partograph after reviewing a woman in labor. The main objective of the study was to establish the level of completeness, key elements that are not completed and factors that affect the level of partograph completeness. Methods: This was a mixed methods study design involving a retrospective review of partograph records and a cross- sectional study involving key informant interviews to identify determinants of partograph completeness. Results: The level of partograph completeness was at 5% in the 5 study facilities but varied from HCIII to hospital level. Socio-demographic and fetal monitoring factors (72.5% and 66.2% respectively) were filled better than the maternal monitoring factors (53.4%). Supportive supervision, number of staff on a shift and availability of supplies and equipment for labour monitoring affected the level of partograph completeness. Conclusion and Recommendation: The level of partograph completeness was very low at 5% but varied from HCIII to hospital level. Maternal monitoring factors were completed least especially those that required inputs like blood pressure, pulse, temperature and urine volume. Supportive supervision facilitated complete partograph use while staffing levels and non-availability of supplies and equipment for labor monitoring hindered complete partograph use. The district health leadership should allocate resources to ensure adequate staffing, availability of partograph sheets and essential basic equipment like thermometers, watches/clocks, blood pressure machines to facilitate complete partograph use.