Facility readiness for basic emergency obstetric and neonatal care at PHC centres in Nigeria

Background Functionality of essential delivery services at primary health care (PHC) centres is crucial to achieving targeted improvements in maternal and neonatal outcomes in Nigeria. However, evidence suggests that PHC centres are often unable to adequately render basic emergency obstetric and neonatal care (BEmONC) services. This study assessed BEmONC availability and facility readiness at PHC centres in Edo State, Nigeria. Methods This facility-based cross-sectional survey was conducted in Edo State, Nigeria among 36 public primary health care centres selected by multistage sampling. The WHO service availability and readiness assessment tool was adapted to obtain data from PHC centres. BEmONC availability index was derived using 6 indicators (intravenous oxytotics, intravenous anticonvulsants, intravenous antibiotics, assisted deliveries, removal of retained products of conception and neonatal resuscitation). A composite readiness index was developed based on 26 indicators across five domains (trained staff, basic amenities, basic equipment, diagnostic tests and essential medicines). Indices were summarized as mean percentages and 95% confidence intervals. Results Among 36 facilities assessed, the mean BEmONC availability index score was 48.6% (CI = 41.7 - 55.5%) while the mean composite readiness index score was 58.9% (CI = 54.5 - 63.2%). Domain specific readiness indices showed marked variations with low mean scores for basic amenities (45.8%, CI = 38.4 - 55.3%) and trained staff (43.5%, CI = 33.1 - 53.9%), moderate score for basic equipment (53.5%, CI = 48.6 - 58.5%) and high scores for diagnostic tests (71.2%, CI = 60.5 - 82.1%) and essential medicines (80.1%, CI = 72.4 - 87.8%). Conclusions BEmONC availability and readiness at PHC centres in Edo State was suboptimal. Current efforts to improve services at PHC centres should strategically target availability of emergency obstetric functions, enhancing staff capacity and upgrading basic amenities. Key messages There are crucial gaps in the provision of BEmONC at primary health care level in Edo State, Nigeria that may negatively impact the quality of maternal and neonatal care. This study highlights the need for stakeholders to intensify PHC strengthening initiatives geared towards better pregnancy outcomes.