Antepartum factors associated with primary postpartum haemorrhage among women seeking maternity care at Thika Level Five Hospital in Kiambu county, Kenya

Abstract

Objective: This study sought to assess the antepartum factors associated with primary postpartum haemorrhage among women seeking  maternity care at Thika level five hospital in Kiambu county, Kenya

Design: The study adopted an unmatched case control study.

Setting: The study was carried out in maternity unit at Thika level five hospital in Kiambu County, Kenya

Subjects: The study population comprised of women of reproductive age who had delivered at Thika Level five hospital and had or did  not have Postpartum Haemorrhage (PPH).

Study tools: The study used semi-structured questionnaire to gather data from mothers who experienced PPH within 24 hours of  delivery for case group; while for control group on mothers who did not have PPH within 24 hours of delivery.

Data analysis: Data was  analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics (Binary logistic regression).

Results: Therefore, the study focused on 76 women (19  cases and 57 controls) Among the antepartum factors, history of postpartum haemorrhage was significantly associated with primary  postpartum haemorrhage. Mothers’ with history of postpartum haemorrhage were 14.04 times more likely to have PPH than their  counterparts (OR = 14.04; 95% CI[2.40 – 82.20]; P=<0.001).

Conclusion: The study concludes that the history of postpartum haemorrhage  was significantly associated with PPH. This study’s result highlights the importance of clinicians being aware of a woman's history of PPH  during antepartum care. Such awareness could lead to better monitoring and timely interventions to prevent or manage PPH