Factors that influence management of postpartum hemorrhage among midwives in a rural setting in Kenya.

Muthoni, Doris Mumbi; Kabue, Priscilla Njeri; Ambani, Elizabeth Kurwa

Background Postpartum hemorrhage is the cumulative blood loss of 500 milliliters or more in a spontaneous vaginal delivery and approximately 1,000 milliliters or more for caesarean section birth and a leading cause of maternal mortality1. Objective The overall aim of the study was to determine midwives' factors that influence the management of PPH. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional study that employed a quantitative approach through the use of a research self- administered questionnaire and an observational checklist targeting midwives were used. 85 midwives filled the questionnaire and 71 were observed respectively. The study was hospital- based conducted in Muranga County, Kenya. Convenience sampling technique was used to select the midwives in the study sites. Results The following factors were statistically significant in influencing management of postpartum hemorrhage; age (P-value = 0.021). professional qualification (P= 0.047), experience in management of PPH (P= 0.032) and training on emergency PPH (P= 0.010), knowledge factors that were found to influence the management of PPH positively include knowledge on; prevention of PPH (p value-0.000), correct use of prophylactic uterotonic agents (P= 0.000), uterotonics use (P= 0.043), uterine massage during 3rd stage of labour (P= 0.012), examination of the placenta (P= 0.034), management of PPH (P= 0.028), causes and diagnosis of PPH (P= 0.001), (Fischer's exact value= 0.043). Conclusion Results of the study indicate a statistical association between midwives' factors and management of PPH.