AN EVALUATION OF NURSES’ SKILLS AND ATTITUDE IN MANAGING POSTPARTUM HAEMORRHAGE AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN IN BWARI AREA COUNCIL OF THE FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY, ABUJA

ABSTRACT

Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) remains one the leading cause of maternal mortality in developing countries like Nigeria. The objective of the study was to evaluate nurses’ skills and attitude in managing postpartum hemorrhage among pregnant women in Bwari. The aim of the study was to provide understanding on the nature of skill of nurses and their attitude towards patients of PPH. Both primary and secondary data were utilized for the study. Secondary data was used to develop the body of literature, which gave insight on the study gap bridged by the current study. Primary data were obtained through survey of opinions and perspective of nurses that made up the sample population. The major findings of the study were that postpartum hemorrhage cases occur in hospitals in Bwari Area Council of the FCT and that poor awareness of the tendencies of PPH increases the chances of the medical condition among women of child bearing age. Also Nurses investigated were skilled enough to handle cases of postpartum hemorrhage. The study also found that health education during antenatal provides preventive measures for PPH and the medical use of misoprostol and oxytocin was found to help in the management of PPH. The study recommended that to prevent and reduce the number and severity of PPH cases, the present study suggests clinical practice and policy im­plications by changing per­spective from “reactive” to “proactive” for early detection of clients who are likely to develop PPH. The study also recommended that monitoring and supervision by Federal Ministry of Health and Nursing and midwifery Council of Nigeria on the correct use of the drug for the prevention and treatment of PPH is required and essential to promote appropriate management of PPH.

Key Words: Postpartum hemorrhage, women, pregnancy, Healthcare centers, Hospitals etc.