Active Management of Third Stage of Labor: Practice and Associated Factors among Obstetric Care Providers in North Wollo, Amhara Region, Ethiopia

BACKGROUND: World Health Organization strongly recommends that every obstetrical provider at birth needs to have knowledge and skills on active management of the third stage of labor and use it routinely for all women. However, implementation of this lifesaver intervention by skilled birth attendants is questionable because 3% to 16.5% of women still experience postpartum hemorrhage. Even though coverage of giving births at health facilities in Ethiopia increases, postpartum hemorrhage accounts for 12.2% of all maternal deaths occurring in the country. Lack of the necessary skills of birth attendants is a major contributor to these adverse birth outcomes. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess the active management of the third stage of labor practice and associated factors among obstetric care providers. METHODS: An institution-based cross-sectional study design was applied from March 15 to April 15, 2020. Multistage sampling techniques were used to get 254 participants, and data were collected using self-administered structured questionnaires and an observation checklist. Data were entered into EpiData version 3.1 and exported to Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23.0 for analyses. The multivariable logistic regression model was used at 95% confidence interval with P value <0.05. Among the 232 providers participating in the study, only 75 (32.3%) of respondents had a good practice. The practice of the provider was significantly associated with work experience (adjusted odd ratio 0.206 (95% confidence interval, 0.06–0.63)), knowledge (adjusted odd ratio (2.98 (95% confidence interval, 1.45–6.14)), the presence of assistance (adjusted odd ratio 2.04 (95% confidence interval, 1.06–3.93)), and time of uterotonic drug preparation (adjusted odd ratio 4.69 (95% confidence interval, 2.31–9.53)). CONCLUSION: Only one-third of obstetric care providers had good practice during active management of third stage of labor. Practice was significantly associated with work experience, knowledge, the presence of assistance during third-stage management, and time of uterotonic drug preparation. Consistent and sustainable on job training and clinical audit should be applied in all facilities with regular supportive supervision and monitoring. Furthermore, team work and adequate preparation should be done to facilitate the management of active third stage of labor.