జర్నల్ ఆఫ్ ప్రెగ్నెన్సీ అండ్ చైల్డ్ హెల్త్

నైరూప్య

Evaluating Impact of a Residency Training Program Rural Rotation on Obstetric Care in Rural Southeast Nigeria

Odidika Ugochukwu Joannes Umeora, Eghosa Lucky-Emumwen, Paul Olisaemeka Ezeonu and Azubike Kanario Onyebuchi

Context: Obstetric practice in rural Nigeria might be hindered by inadequately equipped and staffed care facilities. Resident doctors can increase medical capacity in rural settings.

Objective: To evaluate the impact of resident doctors on rotational postings on service delivery, Caesarean section rates and maternal mortality in a mission hospital in rural Nigeria.

Methods: A before and after evaluation of health services and indices at St Vincent catholic Hospital, Ndubia. Resident doctors commenced rotation at the rural hospital in November 2013. Health care services between Nov 2012 and October 2013 were compared with same services between November 2013 and October 2014. Analysis was by epi info statistical software version 7.1.4 of 2014 (DCD Atlanta USA).

Results: twelve residents have undergone rotation at the hospital in 12 months. There was an attendant increase in uptake of services in the hospital. Complications were better managed and though there were more emergency caesarean deliveries undertaken, the overall Caesarean section rate dropped. A reduction in maternal mortality ratio to 444/100,000 live births was recorded.

Conclusion: Maternal health indices are improved upon by increased medical staff capacity in obstetric care. A nationwide scale up is advocated.