Study of the Active Management of the Third Stage of Labor (AMTSL) in Four Maternity Hospitals in the Commune of Kara (Togo)

Introduction: Active management of the third period of labor (AMTSL) significantly prevents postpartum hemorrhage onset. Objective: To assess the practice of AMTSL in four maternity in the commune of Kara (Kara University Hospital Center, Kara Tomde Regional Hospital Center, SOS Kara Mother-Child Hospital, and Adabawere Peripheral Care Unit). Method: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study over four months, from January 28 to May 28, 2019. Two questionnaires were used for data collection: an observation and evaluation grid AMTSL practice and a questionnaire for providers. The grid was designed and adapted to the RPC repository model for emergency obstetric and neonatal care in Africa 2018. The data was processed using the Epi Info 7 software. Results: During the study period, 528 parturients were identified and 30 providers surveyed. No provider had received ongoing training in AMTSL. The practice of AMTSL was systematic at each delivery. The practice was correct in 45.8%. Factors associated with incorrect practice were relationship between caregiver-patient (p = 0.0005), placental examination (p = 0.0003), postpartum monitoring (p = 0.0001). Conclusion and Suggestion: The practice of AMTSL is systematic, but it was incorrect regardless of the provider’s qualification. Continuing education on AMTSL is necessary to prevent postpartum hemorrhage.