FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH NON-UTILIZATION OF PARTOGRAPH IN (PRIVATE/PUBLIC) HEALTH INSTITUTIONS IN OWERRI NORTH AND OWERRI MUNICIPAL, IMO STATE

Pantographs are recommended by the World Health Organization as essential tools for monitoring labor progression and preventing complications such as prolonged labor. However, despite their importance, usage in many Nigerian healthcare facilities remains inconsistent. This study aims to identify the institutional, socio-economic, patient-related, and attitudinal factors influencing the non-utilization of pantographs in Owerri North and Municipal.This study explores the factors associated with the non-utilization of pantographs in public and private healthcare institutions in Owerri North and Owerri Municipal, Imo State. The pantograph is a critical labor-monitoring tool recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) for preventing complications such as prolonged labor. Despite its benefits, its consistent use in healthcare settings remains a challenge. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among 299 midwives. Data were collected using self-administered questionnaires. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including frequency, percentages, and mean scores, with a criterion mean of 2.50. Hypotheses were tested using multiple regression analysis at a significance level of 0.05. Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS version 22.0. Factors such as institutional practices, socio-economic conditions, patient factors, and attitudes were analyzed for their impact on pantograph utilization.The findings reveal that institutional barriers, such as insufficient resources, lack of training, and inadequate supervision, significantly hinder pantograph utilization. Socio-economic factors, including poor working conditions, inadequate remuneration, and disparities in patient socioeconomic status, also contributed to non-utilization. Patient-related challenges, such as lack of awareness, cultural beliefs, and mistrust in medical procedures, further limited acceptance. Attitudinal factors among healthcare providers, including perceptions of irrelevance and the burden of heavy workloads, were less significant but still notable.In conclusion, the non-utilization of pantographs is influenced by interconnected institutional, socio-economic, patient, and attitudinal factors. Addressing these barriers requires targeted interventions such as resource provision, regular training programs, public health education campaigns, and better remuneration for healthcare workers.