Abstract:
Background: Third stage of labor is the shortest and most critical stage as it is linked with postpartum hemorrhage, the leading cause of maternal mortality and morbidity. Even though postpartum hemorrhage can be prevented by 60% with active management of third stage of labor it remains a major cause of severe maternal morbidity in low resources countries.
Objective: To assess obstetric care providers’ Knowledge, practice and associated factors toward active management of third stage of labour at public health facilities of West Shewa zone, Oromia, Ethiopia 2023.
Methods: An institution based cross-sectional study was conducted among 259 obstetric care providers from June 1-30, 2023. Simple random sampling technique was used to select facilities and study participants were selected randomly. Data were collected by pretested structured questionnaires and observation checklists. Descriptive, binary and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed and adjusted odds ratios with 95% CI and PV<0.05 were used to measure strength of associations.
Results: Out of 254 of obstetric care providers, only 108(42.5%) and 97(38.2%) of respondents had good knowledge and good practice respectively. Being trained (AOR = 3.712; 95%CI (2.063, 6.679)) and having degree and above educational level (AOR= 3.794; 95%CI (1.525, 9.441)) were significantly associated with the knowledge. Having >2 years' work experience [AOR=2.204 (95% CI: 1.175, 4.135)]; presence of assistance (AOR=4.771 (95% CI: 2.345, 9.704)) and having good knowledge (AOR=1.885 (95% CI: 1.049, 3.385)) were significantly associated with practice.
Conclusion: The overall good knowledge and good practice of obstetric care providers on active management of third stage of labor was low. Training and having educational level were significantly associated with the knowledge. Work experience, having assistance and knowledge were significantly associated with the practice. Therefore stakeholders could enhance the presence of assistance during all births and provide education to attain higher educational levels and continuously update obstetric care providers’ knowledge through on job training
