A STUDY TO UNDERSTANDING THE COMPETENCY OF AUXILIARY NURSE MIDWIVES IN IDENTIFYING AND RESPONDING TO ANTENATAL OBSTETRICAL EMERGENCIES IN VADODARA’S URBAN HEALTH CENTERS

Author Name: Hemlata Parmar, Prof. Vijay Singh Rawat

Volume/Issue: 05/01

Country: India

DOI NO.: 08.2020-25662434 DOI Link: https://doi-ds.org/doilink/11.2025-66431455/UIJIR

Affiliation:

1. Ph.D Scholar, Venkteshwar College of Nursing, Sai Tirupati University, Udaipur, Rajasthan, India
2. Research Supervisor/ Principal, Venkteshwar College of Nursing, Sai Tirupati University, Udaipur, Rajasthan, India

ABSTRACT

Background: Timely identification and management of antenatal obstetrical emergencies are essential to reducing maternal morbidity and mortality. Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs), as frontline providers in urban health centers, play a critical role in early detection and referral. Objective: To assess the competency of ANMs in recognizing and responding to common antenatal emergencies in selected urban health centers of Vadodara city. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 60 ANMs using a validated structured questionnaire and scenario-based assessment tool. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests to explore associations with demographic variables. Results: Overall competency scores revealed that 40% of ANMs demonstrated moderate competency, 35% showed low competency, and only 25% achieved high competency. Significant associations were found between competency levels and years of experience (p = 0.012) and prior emergency training (p = 0.003). Conclusion: The study highlights critical gaps in emergency preparedness among ANMs in urban settings. Regular, context-specific training and protocol reinforcement are recommended to enhance maternal care delivery.

Key words: Antenatal emergencies, auxiliary nurse midwives, urban health centers, competency assessment, Vadodara