Evaluation of the knowledge and attitudes of nurses/midwives on the prevention of post-partum haemorrhage in vaginal and caesarean deliveries in the town of Goma

Abstract

Introduction: Post-partum haemorrhage (PPH) is a public health problem worldwide because of its importance and consequences. The aim of this study was to assess the level of knowledge and attitudes of nurses/midwives in Goma regarding the prevention of PPH

Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from March to May 2017. Data were collected using a face-to-face administered questionnaire. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 25.

Results :  Nurses/midwives aged 30-39 years (57.1%), of A1 level (76.2%), with seniority in the profession of 5-10 years with 45 (42.9%) and who had received training on PPH (71.4%) were the most represented. The majority of respondents (95.2%) knew the main causes of PPH, and 80.9% knew the injection time for oxytocin. The immediate complications of PPH were known by 71.4% of respondents, while only 57.1% knew the best treatment for uterine atony. It should be noted that 71.4% of nurses and midwives were trained in the management of PPH.

Conclusion : The majority of respondents were at level A1, almost half had 5-10 years of professional experience and most had benefited from training on HPP. The main causes of PPH and the oxytocin injection time were known. Although most of the nurses and midwives surveyed are trained in the management of PPH, efforts remain to be made to better manage the complications linked to PPH which are one of the main causes of maternal death.