Patterns in training, knowledge, and performance of skilled birth attendants providing emergency obstetric and newborn care in Afghanistan.

Objective: To assess current skilled birth attendants (SBAs) in Afghanistan, looking for opportunities to improve quality and expand emergency obstetric and newborn care (EmONC) services.

Methods: The EmONC training, knowledge, and skills of 82 doctors and 142 midwives in 78 facilities were assessed using interviews, knowledge tests, observation of performance on anatomic models, and decision-making scenarios.

Results: Three-quarters had training in at least half of the 24 possible skills.