Active Management of the Third Stage of Labour: Knowledge and Challenges of Obstetric Caregivers in Selected Health Facilities in Fako Division, Cameroon

Background: In Cameroon, the decrease in MMR (Maternal Mortality Ratio) from PPH (Postpartum Haemorrhage) despite the reported use of the Active Management of the Third Stage of Labour (AMTSL) is slower than what is required to achieve the Third Sustainable Development Goal (SDG3) hence the need to question obstetric caregivers’ competence in AMTSL, as well as the factors hindering its proper use. We therefore aimed to assess obstetric caregivers’ knowledge about AMTSL, as well as the determinants and barriers of AMTSL in selected hospitals in Fako Division, Cameroon. Methods: This was a hospital-based cross-sectional study of 150 participants recruited in 27 health facilities in Buea, Limbe and Tiko health districts from January 15, 2020, to March 31, 2020. Participants’ socio-demographic and qualification characteristics, knowledge and challenges, and the references guiding their practice of AMTSL were collected using a structured questionnaire. AMTSL knowledge was categorized as poor or good and the determinants of good AMTSL knowledge were evaluated. The data was analyzed in SPSS version 25.0. Results: Of the 150 caregivers interviewed, only 48.7% had good knowledge of AMTSL. In logistic models, participants’ use of AMTSL increased Good knowledge of AMTSL (AOR: 12.96, CI: 1.12 - 150.3, p = 0.04). Unavailability of drugs and/or equipment, insufficient staff coverage and lack of knowledge and training of the staff were the major challenges reported. Conclusion: Obstetric caregivers in Fako division have knowledge gaps and face numerous challenges in AMTSL use, which could account for the consistently high MMR from PPH. Filling this knowledge gap and mitigating the challenges of these caregivers would certainly accelerate progress towards the achievement of SDG3.

Materno-Foetal Morbidity in the Second Stage of Labour: A Cohort Study in Primiparous Women in Yaounde

Introduction: Prolonged Second Stage of Labor (SSL) is known to increase maternal and foetal morbidity. We, therefore, aimed to assess for the occurrence of complications of the SSL in relation to its duration in primiparous women in Yaounde. Methods: It was a cohort study carried out at the Yaounde Gynaeco-Obstetric and Paediatric Hospital over a period of 6 months, from December 19, 2018 through May 3, 2019. We included for the study nulliparous pregnant women with singleton pregnancies and normal uteri. Data collected were analysed using EPI info 7 and SPSS version 2.0 software. Results: Amongst 327 nulliparas, the SSL lasted more than one hour in 120 (36.7%), and more than two hours in 42 (12.8%). The most common maternal complications observed were genital lacerations (23.6%;28/120), instrumental deliveries (20.2%, 24/120), post-partum haemorrhage (8.9%). Foetal complications included caput succedaneum (15.2%;18/120) and perinatal asphyxia (7.5%;9/120). Maternal complications were significantly increased in women with an SSL lasting 1 - 2 hours (44.9% versus 22.7%;p < 0.001) and >2 hours (42.9% versus 22.7%;p = 0.007). Similarly, for foetal complications 23.1% occurred with SSLs between 1 - 2 hours (versus 6.3%;p < 0.001) and 19.0% for SSLs > 2 hours (versus 6.3%;p = 0.007). Conclusion: Maternal and foetal complications increase when the SSL exceeds 1 hour in primiparas. Identifying factors that predispose to a prolonged SSL and indicating appropriate interventions could help prevent morbidity.