Abstract

<p>This study investigated perception and factors impeding perineal massage among mothers and midwives in Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. Four research questions and a hypothesis were formulated to guide the study. The study adopted a mixed methods approach with explanatory sequential research design. A total of 219 respondents (182 mothers and 37 midwives) were selected as sample of the study through Purposive sampling technique. Simple random sampling method was used to select thirty respondents (10 midwives and 20 mothers for in-depth interview in the qualitative study. Two sets of validated questionnaires (one for mothers and one for midwives) and in-depth interview guide were the instruments of data collections. Data collected were analyzed using quantitative and qualitative analysis. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, tables, charts, frequencies and percentages. The hypothesis was tested for significance at 0.05 level of significance, using the chi-square (X2) test. Qualitative data was analyzed using open coding and thematic analytical method, which revealed four major themes (perceptions, barriers, relationship and benefits), and eight sub-themes. Finding from the study revealed that most mothers (57.1%) have negative perceptions about practice of perineal massage; while majority of midwives (99.2%) have positive perceptions about the practice. The major factors impeding practice of perineal massage among mothers are: low awareness, negative perception, poor knowledge, negative attitude, lack of information, commitment, and being a single mother. The factors impeding provision of perineal massage care among midwives are: shortage of midwives, negative attitude, late presentation of mothers to healthcare facility, poor implementation of health policy on provision of perineal massage care, and lack of commitment to provision of perineal massage care. There is a significant relationship between practice of perineal massage and occurrence of perineal injuries in mothers. The benefits of perineal massage include: prevention/reduction in the risk of perineal tears, reduction in the use of episiotomy, prevention of postpartum haemorrhage, reduction in time of hospital stay after delivery. The study concluded that although practice/provision of perineal massage is an effective way of preventing and reducing perineal pain, episiotomy and trauma. It was recommended that mothers should be educated on the benefits of perineal massage and midwives are advised to be committed to provision of perineal massage.</p>