Health workers’ perspectives on mediators of elongated parturition among females of reproductive age: A descriptive study

Objective: Prolonged labor, also known as elongated parturition, poses significant health risks to mothers and newborns, contributing to maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. This study explores health workers' perspectives on the mediators of elongated parturition among females of reproductive age to identify and address contributing factors. Methods: This descriptive study was conducted among 100 health workers from two health centers in Rivers State, Nigeria. Data were collected using open-ended questionnaires and audio recordings and analyzed using percentage distribution. Results: Among the 100 participants, 30% were male, 70% female; 5% were trained health workers, and 13% were students. Most (82%) had tertiary education, 87% were Christians, and 13% practiced other religions. Factors influencing prolonged labor included inadequate antenatal care (40%), incompetent pelvis (20%), and maternal inability to push (40%). All participants (100%) had witnessed cases, with occurrences reported annually (53%) or depending on the woman (41%). Psychological and physiological effects included maternal distress (33%), maternal death (32%), child death (12%), and other health issues (23%). Suggested interventions included improved antenatal care (55%), health education (30%), and community mobilization (15%), with 68% of participants supporting these measures, 5% opposing, and 27% supporting them conditionally. Constraints included women’s choice (25%), religion (25%), unskilled health workers (40%), and reliance on traditional birth attendants (10%). Conclusion: Health workers' perspectives indicate that elongated parturition significantly impacts maternal and fetal outcomes. Addressing mediators such as inadequate antenatal care and unskilled health workers, while increasing community awareness and health education, is crucial for reducing associated risks and improving maternal and neonatal health.