THE COMPLIANCE OF HEALTH PROVIDER ABOUT CARE IN THE FIRST STAGE OF LABOUR WITH NATIONAL GUIDELINES: AN OBSERVATIONAL STUDY IN KHUZESTAN PROVINCE IN IRAN

Objective: The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the compliance of health provider about care in the first stage of labour with national guidelines in Khuzestan province, Iran. Methods: This was a descriptive and observational study. The practice of care providers against low risk pregnant women were observed in 15 hospitals affiliated to the Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences in Khuzestan province. Data collected through a questionnaire and a check list, which were completed by two master students in midwifery. Participants included 400 low risk pregnant women who admitted to the delivery wards in 15 hospitals. Results: Results of this study showed that; some interventions during labour should not be used routinely according to the national guidelines for childbirth. These interventions were including; routine establishment of an intravenous route (100%), induction and augmentation of labour (38.5%), using oxytocin (46%), forcing women to be in the particular position (93%). Most women (82.3%) not allowed eating or drinking. Conclusion: Results of this study showed that; the care provided in the first stage of labour was not according to the national guideline for childbirth issued by Ministry of Health. Hospital staffs especially midwives need to participate in the retraining courses about care in the first stage of labour. Key words: Labor first stage, Compliance, Health personnel