Management of Preterm Birth by Medical Professionals in Nigeria: A Case Study of Abia State University Teaching Hospital, Aba

Background: Preterm birth remains a significant public health challenge in Nigeria, contributing to neonatal morbidity and mortality. Effective management by medical professionals is crucial for improving neonatal outcomes. This study examines the management of preterm birth by medical professionals at Abia State University Teaching Hospital (ABSUTH), Aba, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: A hospital-based study was conducted at ABSUTH, a tertiary healthcare facility in Southeast Nigeria. The study recruited 135 medical professionals, including obstetricians, pediatricians, neonatologists, midwives, and nurses, who were actively involved in preterm birth management. Data collection involved structured questionnaires and medical record reviews. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize demographic and clinical characteristics, while chi-square tests, t-tests, and logistic regression were applied to examine associations between variables. Informed consent was secured from all participants. Results: Findings indicated that 85.2% of participants were aware of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) definition of preterm birth, but only 59.3% correctly identified the gestational age threshold. The use of antenatal corticosteroids was reported as "always" by 37.0% of respondents, while 25.9% consistently used tocolytics. Key challenges included limited NICU facilities (62.9%), inadequate staffing (55.6%), insufficient training (66.7%), and financial constraints (59.3%). Correlation and chi-square analyses revealed significant associations between NICU availability and corticosteroid use (r = 0.55, p < 0.001) and between clinical experience and adherence to WHO guidelines (χ² = 10.23, p = 0.006). Conclusion: Despite considerable awareness of preterm birth management guidelines, gaps exist in adherence to best practices due to infrastructural, financial, and training-related challenges. Strengthening NICU capacity, enhancing professional training, and ensuring standardized protocols are essential for improving preterm birth outcomes in Nigeria.