Midwives’ Knowledge And Utilization Of Life Saving Skills For The Prevention Of Post-Partum Haemorrhage In Selected Hospitals In Enugu- Nigeria
Justin Agorye Ingwu (Ph.D)
Department Nursing sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences and Technology College Medicine, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus
Chinenyenwa Edo-Osagie
Department of Nursing, University of Benin, Edo State
Beatrice Ohaeri
Department of Nursing, University of Ibadan -Nigeria
Christiana Kotoye
Department Nursing Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences and Technology College Medicine, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus
Keywords: Midwives’ knowledge, Lifesaving skills, Post-Partum Hemorrhage, HOSPITALS IN ENUGU- NIGERIA
Abstract
Abstract Background: Maternal morbidity and mortality have been a major issue for decades, despite different programme created to reduce it; the rate of improvement remains slow. Post- partum haemorrhage being the leading cause of maternal mortality can be prevented if every third stage of labour is actively managed. Many studies have proved that active management of third stage of labour is effective. This study was designed to assess knowledge and utilization of life saving skills for the prevention of post-partum haemorrhage in selected hospitals in Enugu, Nigeria. Methods: This study adopted observational and a cross sectional descriptive survey to gather information from 102 respondents. The instruments for data collection were structured questionnaire and an observational checklist based on guidelines on the use of Life saving skills for the prevention of Post-Partum Haemorrhage. The questionnaire assessed knowledge, and utilization while the observational checklist was used to assess the actual practice of the midwives. Results: The study showed that 58.8% of the respondents reported high level of practice of active management of third stage of labour(AMTSL) for the prevention of postpartum haemorrhage while 37.5% had high practice of AMTSL on observation. Furthermore, 76.5% of the respondents had received training on AMSTL for the prevention of postpartum haemorrhage and 100% of the respondents stated that AMSTL is used in their hospitals.
Conclusion: Periodic workshops and seminars, frequent monitoring and supervision of midwives with or without notice to assess their practices will be beneficial for ensuring safety of lives and improving quality of care