OUTCOMES OF INDUCTION OF LABOR IN WOMEN WHO DELIVERED AT KENYATTA NATIONAL HOSPITAL

Abstract

Induction of labor has been strongly associated with poor maternal and perinatal outcomes compared with spontaneous labor (Guerra et al, 2009:1762, ACOG, 2009:386, WHO, 2012). Despite this, studies show that it is the fastest growing medical procedure. 25% of all deliveries at term are conducted through induction of labor (WHO, 2011)

The main purpose of the study was to determine the outcome of induction of labor in women who delivered through induction of labor, taking into consideration the demographic factors, social-economic factors, institutional factors and health indication for induction. The findings may be used by the hospital to evaluate the protocols on induction of labor. It also contributes to the body of knowledge on induction of labor and can be utilized by other researchers.

This was a descriptive cross- sectional institutional based study to determine the outcome of induction of labor in women at Kenyatta National Hospital. Social, demographic, health and institutional related factors were explored. The study population consisted of women admitted to postnatal wards at Kenyatta National Hospital after delivery through induction of labor.  A systematic sampling procedure was used to select study participants. A structured pretested questionnaire was used to interview the women and key informant interview was used to collect qualitative data. Collected data was analyzed using the SPSS for quantitative data and Nvivo for qualitative data.

In this study it was found that the rate of caesarean section following induction of labor was 38% and majority of the women took more than 24 hours to deliver after induction of labor. There was no major maternal complication but 19.5% babies developed complications that influenced the attitude of the women toward induction of labor. It was also shown that the outcome of induction of labor is influenced by age, type of employment, parity and women being given information on the nature of the procedure. It was established that pain management and client information on the procedure were wanting. Lastly, it was noted that some women were done induction of labor due to false labor which is not one of indication of induction.

The department of reproductive health should strive to reduce the rate of caesarean (38%), time taken between induction of labor and delivery and neonatal complications. The doctors and nurses should perform pain management interventions during induction of labor. Health workers should also improve on client involvement during induction of labor.