Knowledge and Practice of Existing Guidelines for the Management of Obstetric Complications among Healthcare Providers in Selected Health Facilities, Kwara State, Nigeria

This study assessed the level of knowledge and practice of existing guidelines for the management of obstetric complications among healthcare providers in selected primary and secondary healthcare facilities in Kwara State, Nigeria, and examined the relationship between socio-demographic characteristics and guideline utilization. A descriptive survey design was employed among 150 nurses and midwives selected through a multistage sampling technique. Data were collected using a validated and reliable structured questionnaire and analyzed with SPSS version 25 using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results showed that healthcare providers demonstrated an overall high level of knowledge and practice of obstetric management guidelines, particularly in the management of postpartum haemorrhage, obstructed labour, uterine rupture, and cord prolapse. However, notable gaps were identified in knowledge and practice related to pre-eclampsia and eclampsia, including diagnostic criteria and pharmacological management. Inferential analysis revealed statistically significant relationships between healthcare providers’ age, professional qualifications, and years of experience, and both their knowledge and practice of existing guidelines (p < 0.05). The study concludes that although guideline awareness and application are generally strong among healthcare providers in Kwara State, targeted capacity-building interventions are required to address identified deficiencies. Strengthening continuous professional education, mentorship, and access to updated guidelines is essential to ensure consistent, evidence-based obstetric care and to improve maternal health outcomes. Keywords: Obstetric complications, Clinical guidelines, Healthcare providers, Knowledge, Practice, Maternal health,