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The World Health Organization has declared Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic a global public health emergency. However, documentation on its implication on the provision of skilled care during pregnancy and childbirth in low and middle-income countries like Nigeria is limited. Therefore, this study assessed the reported effect of the pandemic on the provision of skilled antenatal and delivery care among nurses and midwives in Ibadan, Nigeria. A descriptive study was conducted using a quantitative approach. A validated questionnaire was used to collect data from randomly selected 121 nurses and midwives in the selected hospitals. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25.0. Descriptive analysis was done using percentages, and Pearson correlation was used to assess the association between respondents’ years of experience and the perceived influence of COVID-19 on the provision of maternal health services.Findings showed 82.6% and 53.7% of the respondents reported a reduced number of antenatal visits and shorter services hour respectively. Also, 57.9% and 66.1% of the respondents reported restricted interaction with clients and reduced patronage respectively. Also, 66.9% of the respondents reported limited admission facilities during labor. There is no significant relationship between the years of experience of the respondents and the perceived influence of COVID-19 on the provision of antenatal/delivery care with a correlation coefficient (r = 0.137) and significant value of (p-value = 0.068). The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic affected the provision of skilled care during pregnancy and childbirth. Accessibility to skilled antenatal and delivery care was reduced among pregnant women.

Background: Non-pneumatic Anti-shock garment (NASG) has been identified as a device for effective management of postpartum haemorrhage especially in developing countries where maternal mortality is high. Hence, it is important that midwives are skilled and knowledgeable about its use. This study therefore assessed the midwives’ skills in the application of Non-Pneumatic Anti-Shock Garment (NASG) in the management of postpartum hemorrhage.Methods: This study adopted quasi-experimental research design. The study was done in two secondary health facilities in the state. Sixty-eight midwives participated in the study. Simple random sampling technique was used to select 37 and 31 midwives into experimental and control groups respectively. Written consent was obtained from all the participants. The study involved three stages; Pre-test, an intervention and a post test. Questionnaire and observation rating scale that elicited demographic characteristics, knowledge and skills on the application and removal of NASG was used to collect data pre and post intervention. Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics.Results: Mean knowledge score of midwives in the control group in the use of NASG in the management of PPH was found to be 10.32±4.17 compared with 12.24±5.05 in experimental group pre-intervention. There was a significant increase in knowledge and skills of NASG application, nonetheless the post intervention from experimental group had the highest increase from 6.32±4.97 to 17.14±0.95.Conclusions: Educational intervention enhanced skills of midwives in the use of NASG. Therefore, continuous education units in hospitals should include periodic training of midwives on the use of NASG.

Introduction: despite large investments in maternal health services in the world, postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) remains a major cause of maternal mortality. Misoprostol is the most available, accessible, and affordable uterotonic agent in the management of the third stage of labor and has been found to be effective in PPH prevention in low-income countries. This study, therefore, assessed the influence of nursing interventions improving midwives´ awareness of misoprostol use in the management of PPH at selected health facilities. Methods: we conducted a quasi-experimental study in two secondary health institutions in Ondo State. A total of 68 midwives, who consented to participate, were randomly distributed into experimental and control groups respectively. A questionnaire was administered for obtaining information about participants´ knowledge and use of misoprostol in the management of PPH. Midwives in the intervention group were trained using the adapted Pathfinder International Teaching Package on the use of misoprostol in the management of PPH. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: in the pre-intervention phase, the mean knowledge score of the control group was 7.55 ± 2.57 while that of the experimental group was 8.89 ± 2.57. There was a significant increase in the number of participants knowing the correct dose of misoprostol for the management of PPH after intervention (27.0% vs 81.1% p=0.01). After intervention, there was a significant increase (p=0.01) in knowledge of misoprostol use in the intervention group compared to the control group (14.73 ± 2.57 vs 8.89 ± 2.57). Conclusion: misoprostol educational intervention was effective in improving knowledge and use of misoprostol. Hence, continuing educational units in hospitals should include periodic training of midwives on the use of misoprostol in PPH prevention.