Prevalence of and characteristics associated with operative vaginal birth at Mizan-Tepi University Teaching Hospital.

Background: To observe prevalence, characteristics and outcomes associated with operative vaginal birth (OVB).

Methods: We compared spontaneous vaginal birth with OVB.

Results: Of 993 women, 759 (76.4%) experienced vaginal birth; 716 were spontaneous (94.3%), 14 (1.8%) underwent forceps-assisted birth and 29 (3.8%) had vacuum assistance. In a multivariable model of OVB (forceps and vacuum), compared with a midwife, general practitioners (OR 5.6, p = 0.04) and integrated emergency surgical officers (OR 42.8, p = 0.001) were more likely to attend. Women experiencing OVB were more likely to receive local anesthesia (OR 3.0, p = 0.009).

Conclusion: OVB is used sparingly but safely at Mizan-Tepi University Teaching Hospital.