An Assessment of Nurses' Awareness of the Implications of Prolonged Labor on Maternal Health in Ebonyi State University Teaching Hospital
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Background of the Study
Prolonged labor, also known as obstructed or dystocic labor, is a significant cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality, particularly in low-resource settings like Nigeria (World Health Organization [WHO], 2023). It is commonly defined as labor lasting more than 18 hours and is associated with complications such as fetal distress, postpartum hemorrhage, uterine rupture, and increased risk of cesarean delivery (Adeyemi & Musa, 2024). Ensuring that nurses are well-informed about the causes, risk factors, and management of prolonged labor is crucial for improving maternal and neonatal outcomes (Eze et al., 2023).
Nigeria remains one of the countries with a high maternal mortality rate, with obstructed labor contributing significantly to maternal deaths (Chukwu & Bello, 2024). Nurses play a frontline role in labor monitoring, early detection of labor complications, and timely referrals. However, studies indicate that gaps in knowledge and delays in intervention often lead to poor maternal outcomes (Okonkwo & Adegbite, 2024).
Ebonyi State University Teaching Hospital (EBSUTH) provides maternal healthcare services to a large population, handling both routine and high-risk pregnancies. Assessing nurses’ awareness of prolonged labor implications is essential in strengthening obstetric care and reducing maternal health risks.
Statement of the Problem
Prolonged labor is a preventable cause of maternal and neonatal complications, yet it continues to be a major concern in Nigeria (Musa et al., 2023). Studies suggest that many maternal deaths occur due to delays in recognizing labor complications and failure to take appropriate interventions (Bello & Yusuf, 2024). Inadequate training, poor risk assessment, and lack of timely referrals have been cited as key contributors to adverse maternal health outcomes in Nigerian hospitals (Okoro & Adebayo, 2024).
At EBSUTH, cases of prolonged labor are frequently reported, but the level of nurses’ awareness and their response to such cases remain unclear. If nurses lack adequate knowledge of prolonged labor implications, it could result in delayed interventions and preventable complications. This study aims to assess nurses’ awareness of the risks associated with prolonged labor, identifying knowledge gaps and potential areas for improvement in maternal care.
Objectives of the Study
- To assess nurses' knowledge of prolonged labor and its risk factors.
- To evaluate nurses' awareness of the implications of prolonged labor on maternal and neonatal health.
- To identify challenges affecting nurses' management of prolonged labor cases at EBSUTH.
Research Questions
- What is the level of nurses' knowledge regarding prolonged labor and its risk factors?
- How aware are nurses of the complications associated with prolonged labor?
- What challenges do nurses face in managing prolonged labor cases at EBSUTH?
Research Hypotheses
- Nurses at EBSUTH have adequate knowledge of prolonged labor and its risk factors.
- There is a significant relationship between nurses' awareness of prolonged labor and improved maternal health outcomes.
- Addressing challenges in labor management will reduce maternal complications associated with prolonged labor.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study focuses on nurses at EBSUTH, examining their awareness and management of prolonged labor. Limitations may include variations in knowledge levels across different nursing cadres and potential reluctance among nurses to disclose gaps in knowledge.
Definitions of Terms
- Prolonged Labor: Labor that lasts more than 18 hours, increasing the risk of maternal and neonatal complications.
- Maternal Mortality: The death of a woman during pregnancy, childbirth, or postpartum due to complications.
- Labor Management: The medical and nursing interventions used to monitor and assist women in childbirth.
- Obstructed Labor: A form of prolonged labor where the baby cannot pass through the birth canal despite strong contractions.
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