MIDWIVES' ATTITUDES AND PRACTICES TOWARD PREGNANT WOMEN IN CHILD DELIVERY: A COMPARATIVE INSTITUTIONAL ANALYSIS IN OGBOMOSO, NIGERIA

The aim of this study was to compare the attitude and practice of midwives in a mission and government health institutions in Ogbomoso, town in south west Nigeria towards pregnant women during delivery. Five hundred and seventy nine pregnant mothers from antenatal clinic, labour and postpartum ward, were enrolled for this study. Primips were excluded from the study. Four hypotheses were tested. The study showed that the attitude and practice of mid-wives have great influence on the pregnant women perception about them. There is a mutual relationship between the mid-wife and the pregnant women and this may result to successful child(ren) delivery. The study also revealed that the attitude of mid-wives from Mission hospital is significantly different from the attitude of mid-wives from general hospital. Similarly, the Value for practice of mid-wives from Mission hospital is significantly higher than that of the mid-wives from general hospital. Lastly, the perception of pregnant women toward choice of health institutions shows great significant difference. The present study suggests the need for strict supervision of midwives to ensure quality care and positive attitude towards women in labour and Stakeholders including Nursing and Midwifery Council should intensify action on continuous education on human relations