Labour pain management practices among obstetric care providers in Hawassa city, Ethiopia

Abstract

Background/aims In Ethiopia, a country with low rates of delivery in institutions, managing labour pain can help as an incentive to enhance institutional delivery. This study aimed to assess labour pain management practice, attitudes towards these practices and associated sociodemographic characteristics among obstetric care providers. Methods An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among obstetric care providers from 15–30 May, 2018. A pre-tested and structured questionnaire was used to collect data on the labour pain management practices of participants and attitudes towards these practices. Logistic regression analyses were used to test the association between sociodemographic characteristics and labour pain management practices and attitudes. Results Only 13.8% of providers routinely practiced labour pain management. Participants who were a physician (adjusted odds ratio=0.18, P=0.001) or had 5 years or more experience (adjusted odds ratio=0.41, P=0.001) were less likely to practice labour pain management. Participants with a BSc or higher degree (adjusted odds ratio=3.58, P=0.003) or a favourable attitude (adjusted odds ratio=2.97, P=0.001) were more likely to practice labour pain management. Conclusions: The overall practicing of labour pain management among obstetric care providers in Hawassa city was low. A national protocol on labour pain management practice for obstetric care providers should be developed to address this.