Gynecology & Obstetrics
Open Access
ISSN: 2161-0932
ISSN: 2161-0932
Amaha H Abebe
SRHR and public health, Ethiopia
Scientific Tracks Abstracts: Gynecol Obstet
Attaining the global Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target to reduce the maternal mortality rate to 70 per 100 000 live births by 2030 needs improving not only the coverage but also the quality of obstetric and newborn care. The study aims to assess the quality of obstetric and newborn care using the WHO quality framework. The study used an explanatory sequential mixed methods design. This study was conducted in 50 health centers in Addis Ababa city administration from January 25 to December 31, 2021. A total of 50 health centers were surveyed using a structured questionnaire and 500 women in the postpartum period were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. Delivery records of the 500 women were reviewed using a structured checklist. A total of 338 midwives were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. The quantitative data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The study revealed that only a third of the 50 health centers were providing good quality care (a quality score ≥75%). All the health centers had the physical resources (100%) to deliver obstetric and newborn care. The majority of the health centers had a system for actionable information (92%), functional referral (80%), and providing dignified care (80%). On the other hand, only a few of the health centers met the quality threshold for effective communication (24%), evidence-based practice of routine obstetric and newborn care (36%), and availability of mechanisms to support and motivate skilled birth attendants (24%). None of the health centers met the quality threshold for emotional support during labor and delivery. Obstetric caregivers’ high workload and job dissatisfaction were barriers to quality care. Ensuring quality obstetric and newborn care needs effective quality improvement interventions that aim to ensure women had effective communication, emotional support, and dignity during labor and delivery. Reducing the workload and motivation of birth attendants play a critical role in improving the quality of care.
Amaha H Abebe (MD, Ph.D.) has over 20m years of expertise in public health programs and research. He has a passion in improving the health and well-being of women and newborns. This study was part of a large PhD research. I have been working as an assistant professor of SRHR and public health. Currently working as an international public health consultant and researcher.