Abstract
Knowledge, Attitude, and Usage of Hyoscine N-Butylbromide in the Management of Labor Among Medical Practitioners in Nigeria
Edmund O. Ezirim1, Emmanuel M. Akwuruoha1, Christian O. Onyemereze2, Isaiah O. Abali3, Seyifunmi G. Akenroye4, Augustine I. Airaodion5
Keywords: Hyoscine N-butylbromide, Buscopan, labor management, medical practitioners, knowledge-attitude-practice, obstetric care
DOI: 10.63475/yjm.v4i2.0152
DOI URL: https://doi.org/10.63475/yjm.v4i2.0152
Publish Date: 22-09-2025
Download PDFPages: 394 - 400
Citation: 0
Author Affiliation:
1 Consultant, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Abia State University Teaching Hospital, Aba, Nigeria
2 Senior Registrar, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Abia State University Teaching Hospital, Aba, Nigeria
3 Consultant, Department of Surgery, Abia State University Teaching Hospital, Aba, Nigeria
4 Postgraduate Student, Department of Nursing, Lead City University, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
5 Lecturer, Department of Biochemistry, Lead City University, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
Abstract
Background: Hyoscine N-butylbromide (HBB; Buscopan) is commonly used in obstetric practice to accelerate labor and facilitate cervical dilation, yet variability in knowledge, attitude, and clinical usage persists among practitioners. This study assessed the knowledge, attitude, and usage patterns of HBB among medical practitioners at Abia State University Teaching Hospital (ABSUTH), Aba, Nigeria.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted between August 2024 and April 2025 among 102 medical practitioners directly involved in labor care at ABSUTH. A structured, self-administered questionnaire, validated through expert review and pilot testing (Cronbach’s α = 0.78), was used to collect data on demographics, knowledge, attitude, and usage patterns. Descriptive and inferential statistics, including Chi-square tests and Pearson correlations, were performed using SPSS v. 25.0. Significance was set at p < 0.05.
Results: Among 102 respondents, 93.1% had heard of HBB, and 70.6% correctly identified it as an antispasmodic. While 69.6% recognized its primary mechanism as cervical relaxation, 48% were aware of contraindications. The majority agreed that it is effective (mean = 4.12) and improves maternal outcomes (mean = 4.01). About 85.3% had administered it during labor, mostly in the active phase (64.7%), with the intravenous route being most preferred (56.9%). Statistically significant associations were observed between knowledge and attitude (χ² = 18.442, p = 0.001), specialty and frequency of use (χ² = 12.695, p = 0.048), and formal training with dosage knowledge (χ² = 15.210, p = 0.002). Knowledge, attitude, and usage scores were significantly correlated (p < 0.01).
Conclusions: While the majority of practitioners at ABSUTH are familiar with and frequently use HBB in labor management, knowledge gaps and variations in practice remain. Strengthening formal training and incorporating standardized protocols could improve evidence-based usage and maternal outcomes.