Determinants of obstructed labour and associated outcomes in referral hospitals in Nigeria

Objective

To estimate the prevalence of obstructed labour, associated risk factors and outcomes across a network of referral hospitals in Nigeria.

Design

Retrospective observational study.

Setting

A total of 54 referral-level hospitals across the six geopolitical regions of Nigeria.

Population

Pregnant women who were diagnosed with obstructed labour during childbirth and subsequently underwent an emergency caesarean section between 1 September 2019 and 31 August 2020.

Methods

Secondary analysis of routine maternity care data sets. Random-effects multivariable logistic regression was used to ascertain the factors associated with obstructed labour.

Main outcome measures

Risk factors for obstructed labour and related postpartum complications, including intrapartum stillbirth, maternal death, uterine rupture, postpartum haemorrhage and sepsis.

Results

Obstructed labour was diagnosed in 1186 (1.7%) women. Among these women, 31 (2.6%) cases resulted in maternal death and 199 (16.8%) cases resulted in postpartum complications. Women under 20 years of age (OR 2.03, 95% CI 1.50–2.75), who lacked formal education (OR 1.88, 95% CI 1.55–2.30), were unemployed (OR 1.94, 95% CI 1.57–2.41), were nulliparous (OR 2.11, 95% CI 1.83–2.43), did not receive antenatal care (OR 3.34, 95% CI 2.53–4.41) or received antenatal care in an informal healthcare setting (OR 8.18, 95% CI 4.41–15.14) were more likely to experience obstructed labour. Ineffective referral systems were identified as a major contributor to maternal death.

Conclusions

Modifiable factors contributing to the prevalence of obstructed labour and associated adverse outcomes in Nigeria can be addressed through targeted policies and clinical interventions.