An Assessment of the Role of Midwives in Reducing Perinatal Mortality in Adamawa State
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- NGN 5000
Background of the Study
Perinatal mortality, which refers to the death of a fetus or neonate within the first week of life, is a critical indicator of the quality of maternal and neonatal healthcare services. Despite the availability of medical interventions, perinatal mortality remains a significant challenge in many parts of sub-Saharan Africa, including Nigeria. Midwives play a central role in reducing perinatal mortality by providing essential maternal and neonatal care services, such as antenatal care, safe deliveries, and postnatal care (Sulaimon et al., 2024). Midwives are often the primary healthcare providers in many rural and underserved regions, including Adamawa State, where access to obstetricians and pediatricians may be limited.
In Adamawa State, midwives are responsible for managing labor, facilitating safe births, and identifying high-risk pregnancies that require referral to higher levels of care. However, the effectiveness of midwifery care in reducing perinatal mortality in this region has not been comprehensively assessed. This study aims to evaluate the role of midwives in reducing perinatal mortality in Adamawa State, focusing on their knowledge, practices, and the challenges they face in providing quality maternal and neonatal care.
Statement of the Problem
Perinatal mortality rates in Adamawa State remain high, despite the presence of midwives who are trained to manage deliveries and provide postnatal care. Factors such as inadequate resources, insufficient training, and delays in referral to higher care levels may contribute to the continued high rates of perinatal deaths. This study seeks to assess the role of midwives in reducing perinatal mortality in Adamawa State and identify the challenges they face in delivering optimal care to mothers and newborns.
Objectives of the Study
1. To assess the role of midwives in managing deliveries and providing postnatal care in Adamawa State.
2. To evaluate the effectiveness of midwifery care in reducing perinatal mortality in the region.
3. To identify challenges faced by midwives in providing care and suggest strategies to improve perinatal health outcomes.
Research Questions
1. What role do midwives play in managing deliveries and providing postnatal care in Adamawa State?
2. How effective are midwives in reducing perinatal mortality in Adamawa State?
3. What challenges do midwives face in delivering effective maternal and neonatal care, and how can these challenges be overcome?
Research Hypotheses
1. Midwives in Adamawa State who receive regular training and support are more effective in reducing perinatal mortality than those without such support.
2. Adequate midwifery care in Adamawa State, including proper antenatal monitoring and safe delivery practices, leads to a significant reduction in perinatal mortality rates.
3. The lack of necessary resources and referral systems in rural areas of Adamawa State hampers the effectiveness of midwives in reducing perinatal mortality.
Definitions of Terms
• Perinatal Mortality: The death of a fetus or neonate during the perinatal period, which includes the time from 22 weeks of gestation to the first week of life.
• Midwifery Care: The practice of providing care to pregnant women during pregnancy, labor, delivery, and the postpartum period, with a focus on maternal and neonatal health.
• Neonatal Care: Healthcare services provided to newborns in the first 28 days of life to ensure their survival and healthy development.
