An Investigation into Primary Healthcare Workers’ Awareness and Practical Application of the Partograph in Ilorin Metropolis, Kwara State, Nigeria

Maternal mortality continues to be a significant global health issue, with many women dying each year due to pregnancy and childbirth complications. Nigeria ranks among the nations with the highest maternal and child death rates, with a maternal mortality ratio of 540 per 100,000 live births and a child mortality rate of 21 per 1,000 live births. To address these challenges, the World Health Organization (WHO) promotes the use of the partograph a labor-monitoring tool aimed at improving maternal and neonatal outcomes. Despite this recommendation, the presence of skilled birth attendants in Nigeria remains limited. This study explores how well primary healthcare workers in Ilorin Metropolis, Kwara State, are informed about and apply the partograph in their practice. The research specifically assesses knowledge levels, identifies barriers to usage, and evaluates influencing factors. Guided by Patricia Benner’s nursing practice model, a descriptive and quantitative approach was employed. Data were gathered through structured questionnaires from 154 respondents and analyzed using SPSS version 20.0. Results indicated that although healthcare workers possessed moderate knowledge of the partograph (grand mean = 2.50), its actual application was low (grand mean = 2.29). Barriers included lack of training, unavailability of the tool, limited competence, and difficulty interpreting findings. The study recommends ongoing in-service training and better resource provision to enhance partograph use in primary care labor management.