The partogram is an inexpensive tool which can provide a continuous pictorial overview of labour and is essential to monitor and manage labour. The success of its use requires that it is available in the first place and secondly that it is being put into use. In order to be successful, the partogram must be used in the continuous monitoring of labour (observations and documentations). Without these, monitoring of labour becomes incomplete hence problems may be identified late, resulting in complications which may cause maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. Thus, this study argues that, early detection of abnormal progress and prevention of prolonged labour by the use of the partogram can significantly improve the outcome of labour. The study identified the working experiences of the health care providers; attitudes (desire for routine use, desire for further training, and awareness of the usefulness); practice (Frequency of utilization, availability, and correlation of use and working experience); factors that hinder partogram use; and number of women in labour monitored with the partogram.
A cross sectional descriptive study was used involving three tools, namely: self-administered questionnaire, record review and an interview guide.
Major findings indicated among the public health facilities studied, some were not using the partogram. Only 34.8% of the files reviewed included filled partograms, and they were partially filled, while 3.6% of the filled partograms were well filled. Statistical relationships were found between availability and utilization of the partogram.
Thus, the implementation of the partogram in health facilities where they are not being used, availability of the partogram in labour wards and capacity building were recommended for effective use of the partogram.