Quality of maternal healthcare services in public health facilities of Addis Ababa: Documentation, prenatal and postnatal care, and key determinants of service delivery.

Abstract

This study assesses the quality of maternal healthcare services in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, focusing on documentation practices, prenatal and postnatal care, and factors influencing high-quality services. A review of 354 maternity medical records from five public hospitals and ten public health centers evaluated the completeness and consistency of maternal healthcare documentation, including patient identification, prenatal care, and postnatal care services. The findings revealed gaps in prenatal care documentation, particularly in maternal medical history, risk factors, and continuity of care. While strengths were noted in patient identification and prenatal screening, challenges remain in adhering to clinical-guidelines and ensuring continuity, especially in postnatal services. Factors such as women's education, use of electronic medical records, obstetric assessments, and adherence to clinical-guidelines significantly influenced the quality of care. The study highlights the need for improved documentation practices, enhanced provider training, and better-adherence to clinical-standards to improve maternal healthcare outcomes in Addis Ababa.