HEALTHCARE PROVIDER’S ADHERENCE TO IMMEDIATE POSTPARTUM CARE GUIDELINES AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS IN PUBLIC HOSPITALS OF

Abstract

Background: Immediate postpartum care is vital for reducing maternal and neonatal mortality. However, the maternal and neonatal mortality remain significant global public health problem. Incomplete adherence of healthcare providers with immediate postpartum care guidelines worsens these problems. However, there is limited evidence on the extent to which healthcare provider’s adherence to immediate postpartum care guidelines in Ethiopia. Objective: To assess healthcare provider’s adherence to immediate postpartum care guidelines and associated factors in public hospitals of Southern Ethiopia, from August 1 to 30, 2024. Methods: A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 407 healthcare providers. Data were collected through direct observation and face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire and a standardized checklist using the kobo toolbox mobile platform and exported to statistical package of social sciences (SPSS) version 26 for analysis. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis were performed to identify factors associated with the outcome. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with 95% CI was reported, and p<0.05 was used to declare statistically significant variables with the outcome Result: The healthcare provider’s complete adherence to immediate postpartum care guideline was 34.6% with 95% CI: (30.2, 39.3). Availability of immediate postpartum care guidelines [AOR: 2.06, 95% CI: (1.22, 3.47)], receiving basic emergency obstetric and newborn care training [AOR: 3.00, 95% CI: (1.83, 4.92)], working in tertiary hospital [AOR: 2.68, 95% CI: (1.36, 5.28)], working in general hospitals [AOR: 2.08, 95% CI: (1.19, 3.64)] and presence of workloads in their wards [AOR: 0.49, 95% CI: (0.28, 0.85)] were significantly associated with healthcare provider’s complete adherence to immediate postpartum care guidelines. Conclusion: In this study the healthcare providers' complete adherence to immediate postpartum care guidelines was low. Basic Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care training, availability of postpartum care guidelines, working in tertiary or general hospitals and workload in their ward were factors associated with adherence to the immediate postpartum care guidelines. Ministry of Health should focus on staffing, continuous training, guideline distribution, and equipping primary hospitals to improve healthcare providers' adherence to guidelines.