Adherence to labor and delivery care quality standards and associated factors among nurse-midwives in two public teaching and referral hospitals in Kenya: a cross-sectional survey

INTRODUCTION: maternal mortality is a major health concern, especially in low and middle-income countries. In Kenya, about 362 maternal deaths occur in every 100,000 live births. Seventy-five percent of these deaths can be prevented through the provision of quality care, especially during labor and delivery as per the quality standards. The objective of this study was to establish the level of adherence to labor and delivery care quality standards among nurse-midwives, and the factors hindering the adherence. METHODS: a descriptive, cross-sectional survey was carried out in the maternity units of Embu and Meru Teaching and Referral hospitals in Kenya. A total of 51 Nurse-midwives were involved in the study. Data on adherence was collected through direct observation using an observation checklist, whereas that of factors hindering adherence was collected through face-to-face interviews using a semi-structured questionnaire. Data were checked, coded, and entered into EPI Info version 7.1.2. SPSS Version 25.0 was used to analyze data. Associations between variables were tested using Pearson correlation and Fisher's exact tests at 95% CI. RESULTS: most of the participants (60.7%, n=31) were diploma holders, and a half (51%, n=26) were aged 20-29 years. About half (51%, n=26) had practiced for between 1 and 9 years and 43.1% (n=22) had worked in the maternity unit for more than a year. Out of the 12 quality standards assessed, only 5 (41.7%) were adhered to. Major implementation challenges include unavailability of standards (n=98.0%, n=50), inadequate supplies (96.1%, n=49), inadequate knowledge (88.2%, n=45), and an overwhelming workload (86.3%, n=44). There is a significant correlation between the highest level of qualification and lack of knowledge of quality standards (r=-0.279, p=0.05). CONCLUSION: adherence to labor and delivery care quality standards is low among nurse-midwives. Stakeholders must allocate more resources for training and the provision of adequate supplies. The facilities should also source for and customize the quality standards to promote greater adherence.