Healthcare providers factors influencing the uptake of WHO modified safe child birth checklist in management of pre-term births among healthcare workers in Migori County, Kenya

Abstract

Background: The World Health Organization introduced the safe childbirth checklist in 2015 to address high rates of maternal mortality and preterm deliveries. The checklist varies based on geography and socioeconomic position. Healthcare professionals in developing nations lag behind those in developed nations, with less than sixty percent using the checklist routinely in African nations. Methods: Analytical cross-sectional study design was used and 140 participants in the selected public health facilities in Migori County, Kenya. Data was collected using administered structured questionnaire, and Key Informant Interview. Quantitative data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 26.0 and involved univariate and bivariate analysis. Bivariate analysis was done through logistic regression was used to test the significance of the association between the dependent and independent variables (p<0.05). Qualitative data was analyzed by thematic content analysis. Results: Almost three-quarter of respondents 100 (71.4%) use the WHO safe childbirth checklist, with 80 (78.4%) of nursing officers and 22 (75.9%) of respondents aged between 40-49 years had higher uptake of WHO modified safe childbirth checklist. Cadre (ꭓ2=9.030; df 1; p=0.003), understanding what mSCCL is all about (p=0.0001), aware mSCCL is available in maternity unit (p=0.0001), and understanding the pause points in the mSCCL (p=0.006) were significantly associated with uptake of WHO modified safe childbirth checklist. Conclusions: Healthcare institutions should prioritize comprehensive training programs on the mSCCL, incorporating peer-led initiatives and experienced healthcare workers for practical insights and shared experiences.