Assessment of Partograph Utilization and Its Determinants Among Obstetric Care Providers in Selected Public Hospitals of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: A Multi-Center Cross-Sectional Study, 2024

Background The partograph is a simple, low-cost tool recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) to track labor progress and prevent complications like prolonged and obstructed labor—key contributors to maternal and neonatal mortality. Despite its proven benefits, consistent utilization remains limited in many low-resource settings. This study aimed to assess partograph utilization and identify its key determinants among obstetric care providers in selected public hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Methods A cross-sectional study was carried out from January to March 2024 in four major public hospitals in Addis Ababa. A total of 482 obstetric care providers were included using a census approach. Data were collected through structured, pretested questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS version 26. Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with partograph use. Variables with a p-value < 0.05 in the multivariable model were considered significant. Results Out of the total participants, 91.1% reported using the partograph, and 88.8% said they used it routinely. Midwives were more than twice as likely to use the partograph effectively compared to other providers (AOR = 2.24, 95% CI: 1.05–4.79). Providers who had received on-the-job training (AOR = 6.73, 95% CI: 2.19–13.49), had good knowledge (AOR = 4.90, 95% CI: 2.03–11.79), worked in facilities with supportive policies (AOR = 2.74, 95% CI: 1.31–5.71), received regular supervision (AOR = 2.08, 95% CI: 1.06–4.09), and experienced strong team collaboration (AOR = 2.31, 95% CI: 1.17–4.57) were significantly more likely to use the partograph properly. Interestingly, those with over 10 years of service were less likely to demonstrate good practice compared to providers with 5–10 years of experience (AOR = 0.09, 95% CI: 0.01–0.82). Conclusion While partograph use in Addis Ababa’s public hospitals is relatively high, gaps remain in consistency and quality. Strengthening hands-on training, institutional policies, regular supervision, and team collaboration can make a meaningful difference. Efforts to integrate partograph use into everyday clinical routines—supported by leadership and infrastructure—are essential for improving labor outcomes for mothers and babies alike.