Knowledge, attitudes, and practices in safe motherhood care among obstetric providers in Bugesera, Rwanda

To determine the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of obstetric care providers (OCPs) in Bugesera District, Rwanda, crucial to the delivery of safe motherhood services.

A quantitative descriptive survey in Kinyarwanda targeting all OCPs in the district was implemented in November 2010 to determine demographic characteristics, safe motherhood knowledge, obstetric practices, and attitudes toward additional training.

The study captured 87% of OCPs, of whom 137 of 168 (82%) were A2 level nurses. Most expressed a need to improve their knowledge (60.6%) and skills confidence (72.2%) in safe motherhood. The mean percentage of correct answers of 50 questions assessing overall knowledge was 46.4%; sections on normal labor (39.3% correct) and obstetric complications (37.1% correct) were the weakest. Fundal pressure during vaginal delivery was practiced by 60.8%, and only 15.9% of providers practiced active management of the third stage of labor for all deliveries. Providers supported additional training, and 89.3% expressed willingness to participate in a 2-day workshop even if it were their day off.

The study has identified a need to improve safe motherhood knowledge and practices of OCPs in the Bugesera District of Rwanda. OCPs support additional training as an intervention to reduce maternal mortality.