Utilization and Adherence to World Health Organization, Who’s Postpartum Hemorrhage Care Among Nurses/ Midwives in Selected Maternal and Child Centers, Lagos, Nigeria

Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) has been defined as greater than 500 mL estimated blood loss
associated with vaginal delivery or greater than 1000 mL estimated blood loss associated with
cesarean delivery. PPH is a common complication of childbirth and the leading cause of maternal
deaths worldwide. It accounts for approximately one-third of all maternal deaths. WHO published its
“Recommendations for the Prevention and Treatment of Postpartum Hemorrhage” to provide
evidence-informed clinical care recommendations for hemorrhage. The aim of this study was to
assess the level of utilization and adherence to WHO’s postpartum hemorrhage care among
nurses/midwives in selected Maternal and child health centers in Lagos, Nigeria. A cross-sectional
descriptive study using multi-stage sampling technique was adopted. 157 Nurses/Midwives
participated in this study. Data was collected using structured, self-administered questionnaires and
analyzed using SPSS version 26.0. The findings of this study showed that majority (80.89%) of the
respondents had moderate level of utilization of WHO’s postpartum hemorrhage care while 17.83%
had high level of utilization and 1.27% had low level of utilization. Majority 97.45% of the
respondents had good level of adherence to WHO’s recommendations for postpartum hemorrhage
while 2.55% had poor adherence. There is a significant association between the level of utilization
and the level of adherence to WHO’s postpartum hemorrhage care among nurses/midwives in
selected Maternal and Child Centers, Lagos with p-value=0.023. There is a significant association
between the respondents age (p=0.003) as well as years of experience (p=0.009) and their adherence
to WHO’s recommendations for postpartum hemorrhage care. Only 17.83% had high level of
utilization, healthcare authorities should consider strategies for improving training, resources, and
support nurses and midwives to ensure that best practices are followed.