| ORIGINAL ARTICLE |
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| Year : 2015 | Volume
: 25
| Issue : 1 | Page : 4-8 |
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An audit of postpartum referrals by traditional birth attendants in rural Southeast Nigeria
Odidika U Umeora1, Justus N Eze2, Gabriel O Igberase3, Boniface N Ejikeme1
1 Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Federal Teaching Hospital, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki; St. Vincent's Hospital, Ndubia-Igbeagu, Ebonyi State, Nigeria
2 Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Federal Teaching Hospital, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Nigeria
3 Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria
Correspondence Address:
Odidika U Umeora
P.O. Box 980, Abakaliki 480001, Ebonyi State
Nigeria
 Source of Support: None, Conflict of Interest: None  | Check |
DOI: 10.4103/1116-5898.161212
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Context: Immediate recognition of postpartum complications, prompt, and due management are key to reduction in maternal mortality ratio (MMR). Aims and Objectives: To evaluate the pattern and outcomes of postpartum referrals from traditional birth attendants (TBAs) in rural Nigeria. Materials and Methods: A prospective observational study of patients referred after delivery from TBAs to a Mission Hospital in rural Nigeria. Analysis was by Epi Info statistical software. Results: Two hundred and sixty-two patients were so referred. Perineal injury (29.4%) was the most common diagnosis followed by pyrexia (22.5%), postpartum hemorrhage (18.3%), and genital sepsis (10.3%). The MMR was 4961.8/100,000 live births with PPH accounting for the majority (53.8%). Conclusion: Delay in referral and transportation difficulties were major impediments to prompt access of care from the Mission Hospital. TBAs should be encouraged to refer all cases to well-equipped orthodox medical facilities and get paid for each case as if managed by them. |
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