Training and practice among junior doctors in the repair of birth-related perineal trauma in public health institutions in Lagos State: a cross-sectional study
By Stephanie Fowler
In the UK and other developed countries, midwives and Obstetrics and Gynaecology residents are trained and involved in the assessment and management of perineal trauma, while in developing countries like Nigeria, junior doctors (Interns and Medical officers), with different backgrounds and different levels of training in assessing and repairing perineal trauma and no formal postgraduate training on how to carry out repairs, are left with the responsibility of doing the repairs. A poorly managed perineal tear or episiotomy is associated with a higher risk of developing complications like sepsis, post-partum haemorrhage, faecal incontinence and chronic perineal pain. Complication rates as high as 45% have been recorded in some studies done in Nigeria.
The aim of my study is to assess the current practice among junior doctors in Lagos State by comparing it to the current guidelines on best practice in other parts of the world. I also want to assess the level of training received so far by junior doctors currently working in all public health institutions in Lagos State, a city with a population of over 21 million people according to Lagos State government.
The results of the study can be used to advocate for well-organised, formal undergraduate and postgraduate training in the management of perineal trauma alongside junior doctors.
