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Factors associated with the desire for companionship during labor in a Nigerian community
Author(s) -
Adeyemi Adebanjo B.,
Fatusi Adesegun O.,
Phillips Abimbola S.,
Olajide Folakemi O.,
Awowole Ibraheem O.,
Orisawayi Ayoola O.
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
international journal of gynecology and obstetrics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.895
H-Index - 97
eISSN - 1879-3479
pISSN - 0020-7292
DOI - 10.1002/ijgo.12471
Subject(s) - interpersonal relationship , medicine , health care , interpersonal communication , odds ratio , nursing , family medicine , psychology , social psychology , pathology , economics , economic growth
Objective To determine preferences for companionship during labor and to identify associated factors. Methods The present prospective cross‐sectional survey was conducted at a university teaching hospital in Nigeria between September 1, 2011, and February 28, 2012. Participants included women who underwent the first stage of labor and delivery at the facility, male partners, and healthcare workers from the maternity unit. Data were collected using a pretested questionnaire. Results There were 226 parturients, 158 male partners, and 69 healthcare workers included in the final analysis; in all, 50 (22.1%) parturients and 37 (23.4%) male partners approved of companionship during labor, whereas 62 (90%) healthcare workers supported it. Among those who approved, a parturient's male partner was stated to be the preferred companion by 33 (66%) parturients, 32 (86%) male partners, and 58 (94%) healthcare workers. The perception of conduciveness of the labor ward for companionship was associated with approving of companionship among both the parturients (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.74) and male partners ( aOR 15.79). Previous home delivery ( aOR 31.43) and companionship during a previous delivery ( aOR 23.00) were also associated with approval. Conclusion Most couples had negative attitudes toward companionship during labor. Intensive education programs and restructuring of facilities could enable Nigerian labor wards to improve the delivery experience for both parturients and their male partners.