Abstract

Introduction: Obstetric hemorrhage is one of the major causes of maternal death in both developed and developing countries. Among obstetric hemorrhage PPH is the most common form of major obstetric hemorrhage. Worldwide, at least 289,000 women die each year by complication of pregnancy and childbirth and about 800 women die from pregnancy or childbirth-related complications every day. PPH is the major cause of maternal mortality and morbidity worldwide with the highest incidence in developing countries. All pregnant mothers are at risk of PPH. Rapid recognition of clients at risk of PPH and early diagnosis is essential to successful management and favorable outcome of labor. Therefore, identification of risk factors of PPH, early diagnosis and appropriate management are the hall mark to reduce maternal mortality.

Objective of the Study: The primary purpose of this study is to assess knowledge, attitude and practice of midwives regarding prevention and management of postpartum hemorrhage in all health centers of Kolfe Keranio sub city.

Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at health centers of Kolfe Keranio sub city, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from February 15 - 30, 2015. All 87 (93.5%) midwifes during data collection period was enrolled in the study. Structured self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data from respondents. The collected data was coded, numbered, entered and analyzed using SPSS version 20. Finally, the results was presented using tables and charts.

Result: A total of 87 (93.5%) midwives in 11 governmental health centers were included in the study. Most midwives were between the ages of 19 - 29 years about 78 (89.7%) and less than 10 years working experience of 78 (89.7%). The findings revealed that, majority 58 (66.7%) had good knowledge, while 29 (33.3%) midwives had a poor knowledge, and also midwives had good knowledge about definition, types, common causes, risk factors, assessment and of sign PPH (60.9%, 52.9%, 56.3%, 41.4%, 44.8% and 64.4%) and poor knowledge (39.1%, 47.1%, 43.7%, 58.6%, 55.2% 35.6%) respectively. Most of the participants have high attitudes towards prevention and management of PPH with a percentage of 77 (88.5%) and 47 (54%) of midwives perform satisfactory practice whereas 40 (46%) had unsatisfactory practice.

Conclusion and Recommendation: The finding reveal that low knowledge as 29 (33.3%) of midwives had poor knowledge, high attitude as 77 (88.5%) of midwives had positive attitude and low practice since 40 (46%) had unsatisfactory practice. The studies highlight the need for continuous in-service training to updates knowledge and practice regarding management and prevention of PPH. Competency based standards need to be established for midwifery practice plus support supervision.

Keywords: Knowledge; Attitude; Practice; Post-Partum Hemorrhage

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