Episiotomy Practice and its Indications from 2009-2018 in Two Selected Hospitals in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State
Publication Date: 07/08/2020
Author(s): Omineokuma Aseminaso Tubonemi, Dr. Anthonia U. Chinweuba, Dr. Maduka Omosivie, Olurunfemi Oluwatosin Grace, Williams Selinah Atamunodukobia Vestal Ibaiateli, Obika-Ndiri Ngozi Afulenu.
Volume/Issue: Volume 3 , Issue 6 (2020)
Abstract:
Background: Episiotomy is a deliberate surgical incision to the perineum of woman in labour during vaginal delivery at the second stage of labour to facilitate the passage of the fetus. The procedure is performed with episiotomy scissors when the perineum is thin and out stretched, during a uterine contraction prior to crowning. Amis: To determine the practice of episiotomy and its indicators in two selected hospitals, Federal Medical Centre Yenagoa and Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital Okolobiri, Bayelsa State. A null hypothesis was put forward: There is no significant relationship between duration of second stage labour and indication/practice and between parity and practice of episiotomy in the hospitals. Relevant literatures were reviewed. Methods: Descriptive study, purposive sampling technique was used in which all mothers who were delivered via episiotomy at the two selected hospitals from 2009-2018. Checklist was used for data collection; case files of all deliveries were retrieved. Results: Percentages, tables and figures were used. 914 (100%) engaged in selective episiotomy practice in both hospitals, with 36.8 (40.3%) indicating episiotomy as primigravida permeating disrespectful maternity care. The null hypothesis was tested using Chi-square (X2) statistical tool at 0.05 level of significance and at a degree of freedom of 4. Statistical illustration of relationship between indication and practice of episiotomy: The Chi-square table on this is X2 = 36.453 at a P value of 0.021 which is less than 0.05 and as such null hypothesis accepted. On the other hand, relationship between duration of second state of labour and practice of episiotomy shows that the duration of second stage of labour influences the practice of episiotomy from Chi-square table value which is X2 =20.361 at a P value of 0.042 which is less than 0.05 thus null hypothesis was rejected and the alternate hypothesis accepted. Conclusion: Policy makers should define the goal and objective, train and retrain professionals on the practice of episiotomy procedure. Midwives and obstetricians should encourage perineal massage from 3rd stage of labour to prevent perianal tear.
