Assessment of the Midwives Knowledge on Utilization of Partograph in Management of Labour in Public Health Facilities in Tharaka Nithi County

The World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended Partograph as a labor management tool due to its impact in reducing obstetric labor complications and maternal deaths over the years. This labor management tool is inexpensive and appropriate for use in low-resource settings, particularly in developing countries. Despite the fact that many African countries, including Ethiopia, Kenya, and Nigeria, have adopted the Partograph in labor management, there is little information on midwives' knowledge on the use of the tool in labor management. Understanding of how to use a Partograph is essential for reducing complications and maternal deaths. The purpose of this study was to determine midwives' knowledge on using the Partograph in labor management. The study adopted a cross sectional survey design. 45 midwives were randomly selected from 16 public health facilities in Tharaka Nithi County. Questionnaires were used to collect data. Focused Group Discussions were also conducted with 77 postnatal mothers who gave birth in the 16 health facilities. The collected data was analyzed using descriptive statistics (means, frequencies, and percentages) and Chi-Square tests. Thematic analysis was used to examine qualitative data. Results showed that 74% of midwives had used Partograph in labor monitoring, while 26% had never used the tool. 60% of the midwives had received Partograph training. Despite not having been trained, some midwives were using the Partograph. Findings revealed inconsistencies in the use of Partograph in labor management. A large proportion of midwives deviated from the WHO's recommended use of Partograph in the first stage of labor. The study recommended that the Tharaka Nithi County government, through the Ministry of Health, invest in Partograph utilization in-service training programs to provide nurses and midwives working in the maternity wing the necessary knowledge and skills for proper Partograph utilization. There is also a need for policy changes in institutions to ensure that nurses use of the Partograph as a strategy for reducing maternal mortality rates, improving motherhood, and labor management in the County. Key words: Partograph; labour management; public health facilities.