Association between Labour Outcomes and Level of Healthcare System at Which Initial Delivery Assessment is done before Referral in South Western Uganda

Background : In 2013, an estimated 289,000 women died due to complications in pregnancy and childbirth, (WHO 2014). In the same year, almost 1 million newborns died on the day they were born (UNICEF, 2014).Access to appropriate maternity care including prompt referrals for emergency obstetric care (EmOC) services and skilled birth attendance could significantly reduce both perinatal and maternal mortality and/or morbidity (C. Ronsmans et al ., 2006, A. Paxton et al 2005). Objective : To determine the association between labour outcomes and the level of healthcare system at which delivery is first attempted before referral to Mbarara hospital (MRRH). Methods: Retrospective review of 644 records was done over a period of five months for referrals that delivered at MRRH. The data was analyzed using SPSS and cross tabulations were done and frequencies, percentages and Pearson Chi-square statistics obtained. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to test association. Significance level was set at p value u003c or = 0.05. Results: First attempt of delivery from a hospital was protective against poor fetal and maternal outcomes OR= 0.43 [0.27-0.69, 95%CI] pu003c0.001, and OR= 0.49, [0.27-0.92, 95%CI],p=0.024  respectively. A distance of more than 5km from the health facility was associated with poor maternal outcomes OR= 2.38, [1.16-4.86, 95%CI] p=0.015 and urban residence was protective against poor fetal outcomes OR= 0.29, [0.18-0.46,95%CI], pu003c0.001. Conclusion/Recommendations: Initial labour assessment and management in lower health facilities is associated with poor delivery outcomes. Lower health facilities should be support supervised and mentored as pertains management of mothers in labour. Keywords: Referral, delivery, outcomes, attempt.