Abstract:
Background: Obstructed labour is one of the most preventable causes of maternal& prenatal
morbidity and mortality. Worldwide obstructed labour occurs in an estimated 5 % of
pregnancies and accounts for an estimated 8% of maternal deaths and 22% in Ethiopia. It is
an indicator of inadequacy & poor quality of obstetric care and associated with high prenatal
morbidity & mortality. However, there is scarcity of information on patterns and outcomes of
obstructed labuor in Ethiopia and Guragie zone in particular. Therefore, the current study
was aimed at filling these gabs.
Objective: The main objective of the study was to review Prevalence & outcomes of obstructed
labour among mothers who had given birth in Attat District Hospital, Guragie zone, SNNP,
South Ethiopia.
Methods: All maternal records in the last five years were reviewed using pre-tested record
review checklist. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 16.0 for windows. Logistic
regression analysis was made to assess the association independent variables with the
outcome variable. Ethical clearance was obtained from Ethical Review Board of Jimma
University College of Public Health and Medical Sciences. Data was summarized and
presented in frequency distribution tables, graphs, charts and texts.
Results: From 9097 total deliveries conducted in the last five years, 255 (2.8%) of them were
obstructed labour. The commonest causes of obstructed labour were CPD 142(55.7%),
malposition 77(30.2%) and malpresentation 29(11.4%). Management of obstructed labour
was cesarean section 49(19.2%) for all alive fetuses, destructive delivery 75(29.4%) for dead
fetus, laparatomy 131(51.4%) for ruptured uterus were 126(95.4%) of them were repaired
.The most common intrapartum complications were 131(51.4%) uterine rupture and still birth
206(80.8%). The most common postpartum complications were puerperal sepsis 35.9% and
fistula 6.7%. The Perinatal and maternal mortality rate were 207 (81.2%), 8(3.1%)
respectively. ANC attendance & parity are significantly associated with maternal outcome at
(AOR=0.5, at 95% CI/0.3-0.9/ and (AOR=0.2, at 95% of CI /0.1-0.7/ .while ANC attendance
only significantly associated with neonatal outcome (AOR=0.3 at CI 95%/0.1-0.9/ ).
Conclusion and recommendation: The prevalence and complications of obstructed labour are
remarkably too high. Thus, proper ANC attendance, early detections and referrals by primary
health care workers and, appropriate management, were recommended.
Key words: obstructed labour, causes and outcomes, SNNP and Att
