Improving emergency obstetric care at a state referral hospital, Kebbi State, Nigeria

Abstract

An inventory at Birnin Kebbi Specialist Hospital in Nigeria revealed poor capacity in emergency obstetric care and excessive delays. Focus group discussions among community members emphasized poor services as a reason for not seeking care. During 1992-1993, several specialist obstetricians visited the hospital. They provided training to general physicians and midwives and care to patients, and stayed approximately five weeks each. An obstetric first-aid box with essential drugs and supplies was introduced. Midwives were trained in recognition and management of obstetric complications. Subsequent community interventions focused on improving access and reducing delay in seeking care. The number of cesarean sections performed increased from 101 in 1990 to 131 in 1995. The case fatality rate among women with complications dropped from 22% to 5% over the same period. The number of women with complications seeking treatment in the hospital increased from 200 in 1990 to 227 in 1994, and then declined to 152 in 1995. The cost of improvements at the hospital was approximately US$12,300, with 10% contributed from government sources. Improving hospital obstetric services is feasible and affordable. Better services, however, may not be sufficient to reverse declining hospital utilization related to worsening economic conditions.