Exploring factors associated with utilization of perinatal death review data by midwives in public health facilities in Mukono District, Uganda

Abstract

Introduction: Improving maternal health services in Uganda were proven to significantly improve birth outcomes and reduce perinatal mortality. Perinatal death reviews have the potential to reduce perinatal mortality by up to 30%. This data not only helps in the managing pregnant women and newborns but also informs decision-making for better health outcomes. Despite efforts by the Ugandan government to encourage the use of perinatal death review data for informed action, there remains minimal utilization of this data, particularly among midwives who generate it. Objectives: The objective of this research was to establish the level of utilization of perinatal death review data and explore the associated factors among midwives in public health facilities in Mukono district. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study that involved purposively selected midwives from 14 public health facilities providing maternal health services was conducted in Mukono district, Uganda. The study focused on health facilities that reported perinatal deaths between January and December 2022. Data collection involved both quantitative methods; surveys and qualitative methods; interviews. Statistical analysis involved generating descriptive statistics and exploration of associated factors derived from the qualitative data that was analyzed using thematic analysis. Ethical approval was obtained, and written consent was ensured from participants. Results: The median level of utilization of perinatal death review data among midwives was 64.7%. Factors identified to affect data utilization included; leadership and data demand, committee meeting quorum, training, data systems, tools and guidelines, follow up mechanisms and support supervision with active and feedback mechanism. Midwives explained that they not only utilized perinatal death review data for improving patient management but also strategically to protect themselves from community scrutiny and to facilitate practical procurement of maternal health supplies. Conclusion: To enhance utilization of perinatal death review data among midwives, it is essential to foster a culture that values the importance of data, starting from the initial data collection phase.