[Opinion survey on postpartum pelvic floor rehabilitation among Ivorian practitioners].

INTRODUCTION

the purpose of this study was to report health care providers' experience of perineal rehabilitation in the Maternity Hospital of Abidjan by assessing their level of knowledge and their practical attitudes.

METHODS

we performed a survey among obstetricians and midwives working in a Maternity Hospital in Abidjan over a period of at least two years. The information were collected using a questionnaire including direct, open and semi-open questions.

RESULTS

the study included 120 practitioners, 66 midwives and 54 obstetricians. Seventy-nine point six percent of obstetricians and 37.9% of midwives worked in a university hospital. Midwifery knowledge was good or average in 25% of cases (interquartile range [IIQ] 16.8-48.3); 65% of obstetricians had a good or medium level of knowledge (IIQ 41.1 -48.3). The majority of providers summoned women in the postpartum period, but only 7 out of 10 caregivers performed perineal assessment and 2 out of 10 obstetricians suggested the need for rehabilitation.

CONCLUSION

the low level of knowledge of Ivorian midwives and obstetricians regarding postpartum pelvic floor rehabilitation and the lack of practice suggest the need for ongoing training.