Prevalence of Diagnostic Errors as Predictors of Obstetric Outcomes among Post-Natal Mothers in Bungoma County, Kenya

Diagnosis is the foundation of a correct intervention. However, diagnostic errors result in wrong interventions. This is a global phenomenon, where it is a common problem; which has been understudied. Looking at the Philippines, diagnostic errors are three times most likely to make pregnant women develop obstetric complications. In Kenya, there is a high annual maternal mortality prevalence ratio of 362/100,000 live births, with Bungoma County exceeding the national maternal mortality prevalence ratio of 382/100,000 live births annually. Maternal mortality more often than not, a factor, that arises from morbidity is fuelled by diagnostic errors that required determination of its consequences on obstetric outcomes in Bungoma county. Thus, this study investigated the prevalence of diagnostic errors as predictors of obstetric outcomes among post-natal mothers in Bungoma County. The study employed a descriptive cross-sectional research design, which was hospital-based (Bungoma and Webuye hospitals). Systematic sampling was used to obtain 384 respondents and purposive sampling to select 8 health care workers as key informants. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire and an interview guide. the pre-test was done; validity was established through crosschecking and reliability calculated using the Cronbach method (0.89). Using a statistical package for social sciences version 25, descriptive statistics were run. The study revealed a prevalence ratio of 3.996 whereas delayed diagnosis was 43.1%, missed 38.8%, absent diagnosis 27.5%, wrong diagnosis 34.9%, misinterpretation of results 24.1, unmatched 26.3% and unnecessary investigation 9.3%. The study demonstrates that a correct diagnosis is a viable strategy in preventing unsafe obstetric outcomes and by extension minimizing morbidity and mortality among pregnant women.