Level of partograph utilization and its predictors among obstetrics care givers in Ilu Aba Bor Zone, Southwest Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

Abstract Background Worldwide, several thousands of mothers die per a year due to pregnancy and birth related complications. Most of maternal deaths can be minimized using partograph routinely. In spite of the priceless importance of partograph in reducing maternal death, its level of utilization and associated factors has been little known among obstetrics care providers in Ilu Aba Bor Zone. Objective This study aimed at assessing the level of partograph utilization and associated factors among obstetric care givers in Ilu Aba Bor Zone, South West Ethiopia. Methods An institution-based cross-sectional study design was employed. A structured self-administered and pretested questionnaire adapted from available literatures were used. In addition to descriptive statistics, logistic regression analysis was applied to assess association. Results The level of partograph utilization among obstetrics care providers in the study area was 32.8%. Receiving on-job training on partograph (AOR (Adjusted Odds Ratio) = 2.21, 95%CI (Confidence Interval) = 1.19, 4.11), working in a hospital compared to working in a health center (AOR = 2.43, 95%CI = 1.01, 5.82), having BSc (Bachelor of Science) and above educational status in contrast to having Diploma (AOR = 3.12, 95%CI = 1.59, 6.12), and having partograph in a health facility (AOR= 4.19, 95%CI = 2.12, 8.29) were positively associated with partograph use. Conclusion Partograph utilization level was much lower than World Health Organization recommendation. On-job training on partograph, work place, educational status, and partograph availability were predictors of level of partograph utilization among the obstetric care givers.