Determination of factors contributing to failure rate of induction of labour at selected hospitals in Mopani District, Limpopo Province, South Africa

Abstract

Induction of labour implies the artificial initiation of regular uterine contractions before the onset of spontaneous uterine contractions with the purpose of achieving a vaginal delivery. The aim of the study was to determine the factors contributing to the failure rate of induction of labour at the Maphutha L. Malatji and Van Velden Hospitals in the Mopani District, Limpopo Province, South Africa. A quantitative, descriptive cross-sectional research method was used to identify the factors contributing to the failure rate of induction of labour. Data were collected using a self-developed questionnaire from 60 Registered Midwives. Ethical clearance was obtained from Turfloop Research and Ethical Committee, Limpopo Province Department of Health Ethics Committee and Hospital management. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS, version 24) and descriptive statistics were used to analyse. Therefore, shortage of the staff, bad staff-patient ratio, overcrowding of patient, lack of equipment, workload of staff and poor training of staff are factors contributing to failure rate of induction of labour. The study recommended that all staff should be well trained and ‘in-serviced’ to be able to use partograph effectively and also to have education training on speciality qualifications.