2022, Vol. 5, Issue 2, Part A

author(s)
Virginia Queen Edochie and Abiodun Samuel Olowolafe

abstract
This research was carried out to ascertain the factors associated with preterm births in Sacred Heart Hospital, Lantoro, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria. The Objectives were to assess the Knowledge of mothers on the causes of preterm labour during ANC, assess causes of preterm birth in Sacred Heart Hospital, Lantoro, Abeokuta, determine the socio-demographic factors that influence preterm delivery in mothers attending Sacred Heart Hospital, Lantoro, Abeokuta and Investigate the possible options to the management of preterm labour. The significance of this study is to empower clients and health care professionals to understand and prevent preterm births, minimize the complications of preterm births and give better care to premature babies. Nurses could educate pregnant women based on the findings of this study to avoid practices that predispose them to preterm births. Early detection and prompt treatment of disease conditions associated with premature births. It will also serve as a base-line for future studies. Research design was retrospective/cross sectional study. Data was collected from the records of women who delivered in the hospital between January 2016 and December 2018. Sample size was determined by the use of Cochran’s formula to select 162 respondents from the ANC using self–structured questionnaire. Quantitative data was collected using abstract form questionnaire with 4 sections on socio-demographic, knowledge of causes of preterm births, preterm delivery among respondents and available options for the management of preterm births. Findings from the analysis revealed that 62% of nursing mothers have heard of preterm births, 57.1% have poor knowledge of causes. Majority (89.3%) were married and from monogamous homes (89.3%). Previous preterm births (78.6%) and pre-eclampsia (82.1%), the highest risk factor. Eighty-nine percent of mothers had babies with low apgar score while 80% had slow development. Almost all mothers (100%) opted for Kangoro Mother Care. Recommendations were made based on the findings that nurses should update their knowledge and skills on the causes, prevention and special care of preterm babies so as to guide the mothers aright thereby reducing infant morbidity and mortality associated with premature births.