Assessment of Nurse-Midwives Knowledge and Practices for the Third Stage of Labor in Delivery Rooms at Maternity Hospitals in Thi-Qar Governorate.

Abstract

Objectives of the study

  To assess nurse-midwives knowledge and practices during the third stage of labor, the relationship between sociodemographic of nurse-midwives, a knowledge and practices.

Methodology:

  A non-probability (purposive) sampling of one hundred and eighty five (185) nurse-midwives from five MaternityHospitals, who are working and available in BintAl-HudaTeachingHospital, Al-HabobyTeachingHospital, Soq Al-ShukhHospital, Al-RefaeHospital, and Al-Shatrahospital. Data collection was performed through the use of a structured self-administrative questionnaire for nurse-midwives’ knowledge and an observational checklist for their practices through a direct interview with each nurse-midwives’ in the study using, adapting, and developing questionnaire format. Data were collected through interviewing techniques from September 10 to January 20, 2024.

 Results of the Study:

  Upon analyzing the demographic profile of the one hundred and eighty five participating nurse-midwives in this study, several noteworthy trends emerged. A significant majority (69.7%) had attained their qualifications from institutes. Marital status was prevalent among the participants, with 76.8% being married. In light of the statistical mean of scores, the results suggest that nurses-midwives demonstrated a low responses regarding the third stage of labor (M.s ≤ 1.66) across all items of the scale except items(1, 3, and 7 respectively : "The third period begins with the birth of the fetus and ends with the birth of the placenta," "The bottom of the uterus is rounded and hard and rises in the abdomen to the level of the navel," and "A full bladder affects uterine contraction and leads to bleeding") .The responses were moderate (Ms = 1.67–2.33).The findings reveal a noteworthy positive relationship between the nurses-midwives practices regarding labor care and their education level (r = 0.147; p < .005), years of experience in midwifery (r = 0.134; p < .005), and number of training courses (r = 0.137; p < .005).

Conclusion:

At the end of this study, it was concluded that midwives have knowledge during the third stage of labor.A positive correlation is observed between the level of knowledge among nurses and midwives and factors such as education level, years of experience in nursing and midwifery, and participation in training courses. This underscores the importance of continuous learning and professional development in improving the quality of care provided during labor. A positive relationship between the nurses-midwives practices regarding labor care and their education level, years of experience in midwifery, and number of training courses. These gaps suggest a need for targeted education and training to enhance the quality of care provided during childbirth. Given the observed deficiencies in both knowledge and practices, there is a clear need for comprehensive training programs tailored to the specific needs of nurses-midwives.