Analysis of Factors Associated with Prolonged Labor

Abstract

Prolonged labor is an obstetric problem that may increase the risk of maternal and neonatal morbidity if not identified at an early stage. This study aimed to analyze factors associated with prolonged labor among pregnant women entering labor. An observational analytic design with a cross-sectional approach was employed. The sample comprised 96 women in labor, selected through purposive sampling based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data were obtained from medical records, partographs, maternal and child health handbooks, and observation sheets. The independent variables included maternal age, parity, anemia, birth weight, fetal position, uterine contractions, and completeness of antenatal care, while the dependent variable was prolonged labor. Data were analyzed using univariate analysis, bivariate analysis with the chi-square test, and multivariate analysis with logistic regression. The results showed that 32 respondents (33.3%) experienced prolonged labor. Factors significantly associated with prolonged labor were high-risk maternal age (p = 0.005), high-risk parity (p = 0.004), anemia (p = 0.006), birth weight ≥ 4,000 grams (p = 0.007), fetal malposition (p < 0.001), inadequate uterine contractions (p < 0.001), and incomplete antenatal care (p = 0.021). Multivariate analysis identified inadequate uterine contractions as the dominant factor associated with prolonged labor (OR = 5.80; 95% CI = 2.06–16.35; p = 0.001). Risk detection during pregnancy, partograph-based monitoring, and timely referral decision-making are necessary to prevent complications related to prolonged labor.