musa halima abdul - university of nigeria

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Digitally Signed by: Content manager’s Name DN : CN = Webmaster’s name O = University of Nigeria, Nsukka OU = Innovation Centre Ugboaku, Edith J FACULTY OF HEALTH SCIENCES AND TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT OF NURSING SCIENCES, KNOWLEDGE AND USE OF MISOPROSTOL IN THE PREVENTION AND TREATMENT OF POST PARTUM HAEMORRHAGE AMONG PRIMARY HEALTH CARE WORKERS IN ZARIA METROPOLIS, KADUNA STATE,NIGERIA MUSA HALIMA ABDUL REG. NO. PG/MSC/08/53033

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Page 1: Musa Halima Abdul - University of Nigeria

Digitally Signed by: Content manager’s Name

DN : CN = Webmaster’s name

O = University of Nigeria, Nsukka

OU = Innovation Centre

Ugboaku, Edith J

FACULTY OF HEALTH SCIENCES AND TECHNOLOGY

DEPARTMENT OF NURSING SCIENCES,

KNOWLEDGE AND USE OF MISOPROSTOL IN THE PREVENTION

AND TREATMENT OF POST PARTUM HAEMORRHAGE AMONG

PRIMARY HEALTH CARE WORKERS IN ZARIA METROPOLIS,

KADUNA STATE,NIGERIA

MUSA HALIMA ABDUL

REG. NO. PG/MSC/08/53033

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TITLE PAGE

KNOWLEDGE AND USE OF MISOPROSTOL IN THE PREVENTION AND

TREATMENT OF POST PARTUM HAEMORRHAGE AMONG PRIMARY

HEALTH CARE WORKERS IN ZARIA METROPOLIS, KADUNA

STATE,NIGERIA

M.Sc. DISSERTATION

BY

MUSA HALIMA ABDUL

REG. NO. PG/MSC/08/53033

PRESENTED TO

DEPARTMENT OF NURSING SCIENCES,

FACULTY OF HEALTH SCIENCES AND TECHNOLOGY,

UNIVERSITY OF NIGERIA ENUGU CAMPUS

IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE AWARD OF

MASTER OF SCIENCE DEGREE IN MATERNAL AND CHILD NURSING

SUPERVISOR: Dr. (Mrs.). I.L Okoronkwo

DATE: March 20-14

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CERTIFICATION PAGE

This Dissertation Titled “ Knowledge and Use of Misoprostol in the Prevention and

Treatment of Post Partum Haemorrhage Among Primary Health Care Workers in

Zaria Metropolis Kaduna State, Nigeria’’ is the original research work of HALIMA

MUSA ABDUL, with Registration Number PG/M.Sc./08/53033, a post graduate student in

the Department of Nursing Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences and Technology, University

of Nigeria Enugu Campus.

--------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------

Halima Abdul Musa Date

--------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------

Dr. I.L Okoronkwo Date

SUPERVISOR

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APPROVAL PAGE

This dissertation has been approved for the award of Master of Science Degree in Nursing in

the Department of Nursing Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences and Technology, University

of Nigeria, Enugu Campus.

------------------------------------------------ ---------------------------------------------------

Dr I.L Okoronkwo Date

------------------------------------------------ ---------------------------------------------------

Dr. Uche Okolie Date

Head of Department

------------------------------------------------ ---------------------------------------------------

Prof Obinna Onwujekwe Date

Dean of the Faculty

------------------------------------------------ ---------------------------------------------------

External Examiner Date

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DEDICATION

To all the women who had become incapacitated and those who had lost their lives as a result

of Post-Partum Haemorrhage.

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

All praises to Almighty Allah, for his protection and guidance throughout this programme.

My profound gratitude goes to my great supervisor Dr I.L Okoronkwo, for her unflagging

encouragement and constructive critiquing necessary to improve the quality of this study.

My sincere gratitude goes to the Head of Department Dr Okolie .U. who inspired me towards

completion of this study.

To my distinguished and acclaimed scholars, Prof Okafor C, Dr (Mrs.)Ehiemere I.O, Dr

(Mrs.)Anarado, A,N, Dr (Mrs.)N.P Ogbonnaya, Dr.Nwaneri A, Dr Nwonu. E, Mrs.

Iheanacho. P. Dr (Mrs.) Chinweuba, A, I would say thank you for all the Knowledge and

inspiration you gave to me during the course of this programme.

To the love of my life, my pillar, my guiding light “My husband” Prof. M.A Abdul whose

unwavering support and confidence in me kept me going. I remain eternally grateful.

The patience and understanding of my children, Mustapha, Muaz, Hamza, Bilal and

Haneefah are deeply appreciated. Thank you for all your prayers.

I also extend my gratitude to my Parents, In-laws, brothers and sisters for their moral support

and unending prayers.

I would like to acknowledge the efforts of Prof. Shittu. O of Department of Obstetrics and

Gynaecology, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria for his useful suggestions and guidance

throughout this study.

To my colleagues, classmates and friends: Sani, Idris, Ladan, Isah, Addakano, Sheidu,

Fatima B, Fatima A, Fatima L, Masa, Ifeanyi, thank you for making this study a success.

Finally to the Head of health and primary health care workers of Sabon Gari and Zaria local

government area, Thank you for making this dream a reality!

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Title page - - - - - - - - - i

Certification - - - - - - - - - ii

Declaration - - - - - - - - - iii

Dedication - - - - - - - - - iv

Acknowledgement - - - - - - - - v

Table of contents - - - - - - - - vi

List of tables - - - - - - - - - ix

List of figures- - - - - - - - - x

List of Appendices - - - - - - - - xi

Abstract - - - - - - - - - xii

Chapter One: Introduction - - - - - - - 1

Background to the Study - - - - - - - 1

Statement of Problem - - - - - - - 4

Purpose of the Study - - - - - - - 5

Objectives of the Study - - - - - - - 5

Research Questions - - - - - - - 5

Significance of the Study - - - - - - - 6

Scope of the Study - - - - - - - 6

Operational Definition of Terms - - - - - - 7

Chapter Two: Literature Review - - - - - - 9

Overview of Maternal Mortality and Post Partum Haemorrhage - - 9

Prevalence of Post Partum Haemorrhage - - - - - 12

Overview of Anatomy and Physiology of the Uterus - - - 14

Uterine and Cervical Coats - - - - - - - 15

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Uterine Blood Supply - - - - - - - 16

Pathophysiology of Post-Partum Haemorrhage - - - - 18

Causes and Risk factor of Post Partum Haemorrhage - - - 18

Management of Post-Partum haemorrhage - - - - - 19

Misoprostol in the Prevention and Treatment of Post Partum Haemorrhage 20

Advantages of misoprostol over other conventional uterotonic drug in prevention and management of post-partum haemorrhage - - - 21

Steps in Misoprostol Administration for the prevention of postpartum haemorrhage - - - - - - - - - - 22

Side effects of misoprostol in the prevention and management of PPH - 23

Health workers responsibility in administration of misoprostol in prevention and treatment of PPH - - - - - - 23

Factors influencing Use and Non – Use of this drug - - - 23

Theoretical Review - - - - - - - - 24

Empirical Review - - - - - - - - 33

Summary - - - - - - - - - 39

Chapter Three: Research Methods - - - - - - 41

Research Design - - - - - - - - 41

Area of the Study - - - - - - - - 41

Population of study - - - - - - - 42

Subjects of Study - - - - - - - - 42

Instrument for data collection - - - - - - - 43

Validity of the research instruments - - - - - - 43

Reliability of the research instrument - - - - - - 43

Ethical Consideration - - - - - - - 44

Procedure for data collection - - - - - - - 44

Method of data analysis - - - - - - - 45

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Chapter four: Presentation Of Results

Presentation of data - - - - - - - - 46

Summary of major findings - - - - - - - 58

Chapter five: Discussion Of Findings

Discussion of findings - - - - - - - 59

Implication for Nursing - - - - - - - 62

Limitations of the Study - - - - - - - 63

Suggestion for further studies - - - - - - 63

Summary - - - - - - - - - 64

Conclusion - - - - - - - - - 65

Recommendations - - - - - - - - 66

References - - - - - - - 67

Appendices - - - - - - - 70

Questionnaire- - - - - - - - Appendices A

Distribution of Respondents- - - - - - - Appendices B

Reliability- - - - - - - - - Appendices C

Ethical Clearance- - - - - - - - Appendices D

Letter of permission to carry out research- - - - - Appendices E

Letter of introduction- - - - - - - - Appendices F

Inform consent sheet- - - - - - - - Appendices G

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LIST OF TABLES

TABLE NO TITLE PAGE

Table 1 Dosage of Misoprostol for Prevention and treatment of PPH 21

Table 2 Socio-Demographic Characteristics of the Respondents. - 45

Table 3 Level of knowledge of misoprostol for the prevention and treatment of post partum haemorrhage - - - 49

Table 4 Use of Misoprostol in the prevention and treatment of PPH - 50

Table 5 Correct use of misoprostol for prevention and treatment of postpartum Haemorrhage - - - - - 52

Table 6 Factors influencing use and nonuse of Misoprostol for the prevention and treatment of post partum haemorrhage.- 53

Table 7 Chi-square showing the relationship between knowledge of misoprostol and the use of misoprostol for Prevention of PPH 55

Table 8 Chi-Square showing relationship between the knowledge of misoprostol and use of misoprostol for treatment of PPH - 56

Table 9 Chi-square showing the relationship between professional cadre and knowledge of misoprostol for prevention and treatment of PPH 57

Table 10 Chi-square showing the relationship between years of experience

and knowledge of misoprostol- - - - - 58

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LIST OF FIGURES

FIGURES TITLE PAGE

Figure 1: Health Belief Model - - - - - - 27

Figure 2: Conceptual model for knowledge and use of misoprostol - 29

Figure 3: Conceptual model of the study - - - - 30

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ABSTRACT

Postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) is the common cause of obstetric haemorrhage and the

leading cause of maternal deaths in Nigeria. Injectable uterotonics, which include

ergometrine, oxytocin and syntometrine are the conventional drugs used and also

remain the first line drug for prevention and treatment of PPH. However, these drugs

are heat-sensitive when exposed to hot climates over long period of time which means

they need to be refrigerated in order to maintain their potency. This may be difficult in

low-resource settings or rural areas where electricity is very erratic.Misoprostol,

another uterotonic that is available in tablet form, was thus approved by the Federal

Ministry of Health. The purpose of this study was to determine the knowledge and use

of misoprostol in the prevention and treatment of Post-Partum haemorrhage. The

research design was a descriptive survey method and one hundred and fifty six primary

health care workers that met the inclusion criteria across the twenty five facilities of

Sabon Gari and Zaria local government area were included for the study. A validated

questionnaire constructed by the researcher based on the guidelines on the use of

misoprostol in the prevention an d treatment of Post-Partum haemorrhage was used for

data collection. Information derived from the questionnaire was subjected to descriptive

statistics and chi-square test of association. The findings from the study showed that

only 31.3% of the respondents had high level of knowledge of misoprostol in the

prevention and treatment of PPH and only 38.3% of the respondents had used

misoprostol correctly for the prevention of PPH .For the treatment of PPH, findings

revealed that only 16.3% of the respondents had used misoprostol correctly. Only

about a quarter of the respondents (23.3%) had received training on the use of

misoprostol and (27.3%) of the respondents claimed that the drug was always available

in their facility. Knowledge of misoprostol was associated with the correct use of

misoprostol for the prevention and treatment of PPH. Based on the findings the

following recommendations were made; investment in training and retraining of

primary health care workers on the use of misoprostol in the prevention and treatment

of post-partum haemorrhage, monitoring and supervision of primary health care

workers on the use of the drug and frequent supply and sustainable commodity

management will be good mechanisms to improve availability of the drug and thus

promote the frequent use of the drug.

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CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Background to the Study

Maternal mortality has been and still continues to be a public health problem particularly in

developing countries. It is made more tragic because women die in the process of performing

the essential physiologic function of childbearing and in efforts to fulfill their natural role of

perpetuating the human race. According to WHO (2005), maternal mortality is the death of a

woman while pregnant or within 42 days of termination of a pregnancy irrespective of the

duration or site of the pregnancy from any cause related to or aggravated by the pregnancy or

its management but not from accidental causes. Globally, an estimated 287 000 maternal deaths

occurred in 2010, Sub-Saharan Africa (56%) and Southern Asia (29%) accounted for 85% of the

global burden (245 000 maternal deaths) in 2010. At the country level, two countries account for a

third of global maternal deaths: India at 19% (56 000) and Nigeria at 14% (40,000) (WHO,UNFPA,

UNICEF & World Bank, 2012).

In Nigeria, the maternal mortality is estimated to be 545/100,000 live births (National

Demography & Health Survey 2008). Indeed, the country has been ranked as the number two

country (after India) with the highest absolute number of maternal death in the world. The

causes of maternal mortality were reported in percentages as post partum haemorrhage

(23%), infections (13%), unsafe abortion (13%), eclampsia (12%),obstructed labour (8%),

other direct causes (8%) and indirect causes 20% (FMOH, 2007). Indirect causes such as

malaria, anaemia, HIV/AIDS and cardiovascular disease complicate pregnancy or are

aggravated by it (WHO, 2005).

Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is the common cause of obstetric haemorrhage and the leading

cause of maternal death in Nigeria, as one in four maternal deaths is due to it (FMOH,

2007).According to the World Health Organization (WHO, 2000), PPH is defined as bleeding

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from the genital tract of 500 ml or more within the first 24 hours of delivery of the baby.

Bleeding after delivery is normal; however excessive bleeding is often fatal. Uterine atony,

which is the failure of the uterus to properly contract after delivery, is the commonest cause,

accounting for about 90% cases of PPH (Chelmow, 2008). Other causes of PPH include tear

in the cervix or vaginal tissue, uterine rupture, retained placenta or membrane, blood clotting

disorders such as disseminated intravascular coagulation accounting for 10% of cases

(FMOH, 2007).

The International Federation of Obstestrics and Gynaecology/International Council of

Midwives (FIGO/ICM, 2006) recommended the use of active management of the third stage

of labour (AMTSL) to prevent post partum haemorrhage. It involves the administration of a

drug that causes the uterus to contract known as uterotonics, controlled cord traction only

when a skilled attendant is present at birth and uterine massage after delivery of the placenta.

Injectable uterotonics, which include ergometrine, oxytocin and syntometrine are the

conventional drugs used and also remain the first line drug for prevention and treatment of

PPH. However, these drugs are heat-sensitive when exposed to hot climates over long period

of time which means they need to be refrigerated in order to maintain their potency. This may

be difficult in low-resource settings or rural areas where electricity supply is very erratic and

may be ineffective at preventing PPH and maternal mortality, sufficiently for Nigeria’s quest

to accelerate pace towards MDG-5 target (FMOH, 2007).

Misoprostol, another uterotonic that is available in tablet form, was thus approved by the

Federal Ministry of Health in 2007 for the prevention and treatment of PPH (FMOH, 2007).

It has since been in increased use in obstetric and gynaecological practice, including the

treatment of post partum haemorrhage. This is because it is relatively inexpensive, has

alternative routes of administration (rectally, orally, and sublingually), is easy to store and is

stable in field condition, has long shelf life of about 3 years and is easy to use with or without

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a skilled attendant (Prata, 2005). These characteristics make it very important and useful in

rural settings where the efficacy of the other uterotonics (and injection safety) are not assured

and the skilled birth attendants to administer the latter are even in short supply.

FIGO and ICM (2005), jointly recommend that in the absence of safe injection, oral

misoprostol should be administered to prevent and treat post partum haemorrhage by a skilled

birth attendant especially in rural areas. Therefore, there is need to promote misoprostol as an

effective and easily administered drug for the prevention of PPH, and to ensure its ready

availability in all settings where deliveries take place in the country especially in Primary

health care facilities. This is because Primary Health Centres (PHCs) are the basic health care

units in the country, and are located mainly in the rural communities where other categories

of health facilities are few. Women needing delivery care first present in PHCs, and only

when they experience severe complications are they referred to secondary or tertiary levels of

care (Okonofua, 2010).

However, referral mechanisms between the different levels of care are not well developed in

Nigeria and PPH being a rapidly developing phenomenon, may not be amenable to resolution

even by prompt referral (Okonofua, 2010). Therefore, an effective approach to preventing

maternal mortality associated with PPH is to ensure that efforts are put in place to effectively

prevent or treat PPH in a timely fashion at childbirth. Thus the knowledge and use of

misoprostol among nurses, midwives and community health workers, who are the principal

delivery care providers of maternal health services at the primary level of care become

necessary. This study is aimed at determining the knowledge and use of misoprostol in the

prevention and treatment of post partum among primary health care workers in Zaria

metropolis.

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Statement of Problem

The Federal ministry of health, as part of her commitment to reducing maternal mortality due

to PPH, trained selected health professionals fraom the 36 states and the FCT in the use of

misoprostol for the reduction of maternal mortality (FMOH, 2011). Also, the department of

Obstestrics and Gynaecology, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria in 2009 and 2010 in

collaboration with University of California, Bekerley, trained primary health care providers

in Zaria metropolis on the use of this drug in the prevention and treatment of post partum

haemorrhage (Population & Reproductive Health Initiative, based at ABUTH, Zaria 2010).

The trainings were informed by the result of a community based study which showed that

less than 5% of primary health care workers in the country have knowledge of the drug

(Okonofua, 2008). Another study conducted in Benin revealed that only 24.2% of primary

health care workers indicated that they had heard about misoprostol. However, when asked

the route of administration and the dose for the prevention of PPH, only 5 (15.1%)

respondents indicated correctly. Similarly, only 3 respondents correctly mentioned the route

of administration of misoprostol for treatment of PPH but none could mention the correct

dose for this purpose. Also, available records from primary health care facilities in Zaria

metropolis showed that majority of the maternal deaths were as a result of PPH caused by

uterine atony (Sabon-Gari Health Department, 2011). The researcher also observed that

during the course of her practical experiences with students in the facilities that misoprostol

was not commonly used by the health workers rather oxytocin and ergometrine were the

commonly used drugs, despite the advantages of misoprostol (ease of storage, can be

administered through multiple sites without the use of injection and has lower tendency to

lose potency in tropical climate). Also, the researcher observed that primary care health

workers do not use the correct recommended dose. The questions being raised in this study

are how knowledgeable are the primary health workers in the use of misoprostol in the

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prevention and treatment of PPH and furthermore, does knowledge of misoprostol influence

its use among primary health care workers? This study is geared towards finding answers to

these questions.

Purpose of the Study

The purpose of this study was to determine the knowledge and use of misoprostol for the

prevention and treatment of post partum haemorrhage among primary health care providers

in Zaria metropolis.

Objectives of the Study

Specifically, the objectives of this study include to:-

1. Determine the level of knowledge of misoprostol as a drug used in the prevention

and treatment of PPH among primary health care workers in Zaria metropolis.

2. Determine how primary health care workers use misoprostol in the prevention and

treatment of post partum haemorrhage

3. Identify factors influencing use of misoprostol for the prevention and treatment of

post partum haemorrhage.

4. Determine the relationship between knowledge of Misoprostol and the use of

Misoprostol among the primary health care workers.

5. Determine the relationship between some demographic characteristics such as age of

respondents ,qualification, and years of experience and the knowledge of misoprostol.

Research Questions

1. What is the level of knowledge of misoprostol in the prevention and treatment of post

partum hemorrhage among primary health care workers in Zaria metropolis?

2. How do Primary health care workers use misoprostol in the prevention and treatment

of post partum hemorrhage?

3. What are the factors influencing use of this drug?

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4. What is the relationship between knowledge of misoprostol and the practice of its use

among the respondents?

5. What is the relationship between some demographic characteristics of the respondents

and their knowledge of misoprostol

Significance of the Study

The study is significant because it will provide information on the knowledge and use of

misoprostol in the prevention and treatment of post partum haemorrhage among primary

health care workers. The findings from the study when communicated will inform

stakeholders thereby making a case for proper training of primary health care workers. Also

such capacity building for primary health care workers on misoprostol use has the potential

of preventing PPH, reducing complications of PPH, reducing number of referrals, especially

in this setting where referral is weak and consequently reduction of maternal mortality. The

result will be useful in promoting use of misoprostol for the prevention and treatment of post

partum haemorrhage. The findings from this study will equally provide information on the

factors influencing the use and non use of the drug among primary health care workers in the

prevention and treatment of post partum haemorrhage. The identified factors when

communicated will assist health policy makers, ministry officials, local government health

officials, local and international organization and other government agencies in taking the

proper steps to resolve the problems thus making the use of misoprostol correctly.

Finally information gathered from this study will serve as a source of literature and guide for

future research and as well serve as empirical reference for further studies.

Scope of the Study

The study is limited to primary health care workers (Nurses, Midwives and community health

extension workers) providing delivery services in Zaria metropolis. Specifically it is limited

to Knowledge and use of misoprostol among primary health care workers in the prevention

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and treatment of post partum in Zaria metropolis .It is also confined to factors influencing use

of misoprostol in the prevention and treatment of post partum haemorrhage among primary

health care workers in Zaria Metropolis.

Operational Definition of Terms

Level of knowledge of Misoprostol: Refers to the respondents understanding of the class of

the drug, routes of administration and dosages of the drug for both prevention and treatment

of PPH, when the drug is administered, mechanism of action and side effects associated with

the use of the drug. For the purpose of this study, knowledge of the respondents will be

categorized in to three levels. Respondents scoring 80-100% will be graded as having high

level of knowledge,50-79% as moderate level of Knowledge and 49% and below will be

regarded as low level of knowledge.

Use of misoprostol for prevention and treatment of PPH: Refers to whether they have

used the drug, how they used it, when they gave the drug, the dosage they administered for

both prevention and treatment of post partum haemorrhage. It also refers to the correct use of

misoprostol as stipulated by guidelines of the federal Ministry of health. For the purpose of

this study respondents that have used misoprostol will be deemed to have used the drug

correctly if the dosage and route of administration, timing for administration for prevention

and treatment were accurately documented.

Factors influencing use: These refer to factors such as availability, supply, previous

experience with the use of the drug, cost of the drug, health workers perception of

effectiveness of the drug, e.t.c which can enhance or inhibit its utilization in the prevention

and treatment of postpartum haemorrhage.

Primary Health care workers refer to nurses, midwives and community health workers who

provide maternal and child health care delivery services in primary health care facilities.

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Socio-demographic variables of the respondent: This refers to the age, qualification and

years of working experience of the respondents.

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CHAPTER TWO

LITERATURE REVIEW

The chapter dealt with the review of relevant literature. The relevant literature discussed were

conceptual, theoretical and empirical review. The literature was concluded with a summary

of the reviews.

OVERVIEW OF MATERNAL MORTALITY AND POST PARTUM HAEMORRHAGE

Maternal mortality also known as ‘maternal death’ or ‘obstetric death’ is the death of a

woman during or shortly after a pregnancy. According to world Health Organization (WHO

2005), maternal mortality is defined as the death of a woman while pregnant or within

forty-two days after the termination of pregnancy, irrespective of the duration and site of the

pregnancy, from any cause related to or aggravated by the pregnancy or its management

but not from accidental or incidental causes.

Globally, an estimated 287,000 maternal deaths occurred in 2010 (WHO, UNFPA, UNICEF &

World Bank, 2012).Sub-Saharan Africa (56%) and Southern Asia (29%) accounted for 85% of

the global burden (245,000 maternal deaths) in 2010. At the country level, two countries

account for a third of global maternal deaths: India at 19% (56,000) and Nigeria at 14% (40,

000). The global MMR in 2010 was 210 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births, down from

400 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births in 1990. The MMR in developing regions (240)

was 15 times higher than in developed regions (16). Sub-Saharan Africa had the highest

MMR at 500 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births, while Eastern Asia had the lowest

among MDG developing regions, at 37 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births. The MMRs

of the remaining MDG developing regions, in descending order of maternal deaths per 100

000 live births are Southern Asia (220), Oceania (200), South-eastern Asia (150), Latin

America and the Caribbean (80), Northern Africa (78), Western Asia (71) and the Caucasus

and Central Asia (46) (WHO, UNFPA, UNICEF & World Bank, 2012).

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This implies that more maternal deaths occur in countries in sub-Saharan Africa. This is

because women in developing countries have many pregnancies on the average; their lifetime

risk more accurately reflects the overall burden of these women (WHO, 2010). Lifetime risk

is the probability that a woman will die from complications of pregnancy and childbirth over

her lifetime; it takes into account both the maternal mortality ratio and the total fertility rate

(probable number of births per woman during her reproductive years). Thus in a high-fertility

setting a woman faces the risk of maternal death multiple times, and her lifetime risk of

death will be higher than in a low-fertility setting. The lifetime risk of maternal death in the

developing world in 2008 was 1 in 120, compared with industrialized regions with an

estimated 1 in 4300 (WHO, 2010). Among the regions, women in sub-Saharan Africa faced

the highest lifetime risk – 1 in 31 – followed by , South Asia – 1 in 110.

Post-partum hemorrhage was the leading cause of maternal mortality worldwide, accounting

for about 34% of deaths, hypertension 18%,sepsis 8%,abortion 10%, embolism 1%, other

direct causes 11% and indirect cause’s accounts for about 18% (WHO, 2010). According to

the Kinney, Kerber, Black et al(2010) the picture in sub-Saharan Africa is similar to the

global distribution of causes of death with haemorrhage accounting for about 34% of all

maternal deaths.

Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa, 2% of the world’s population but contributes

about 14% (40,000 maternal deaths) to the global estimates of maternal mortality (UNPA,

WHO, 2012). The World Health Organization and the Federal Ministry of Health of Nigeria

report that about 145 women died everyday in Nigeria as a result of causes related to

childbirth and in terms of absolute numbers, Nigeria ranked second globally to India in

number of maternal deaths. The risk of a woman dying from child birth was 1 in18 in

Nigeria, compared to 1 in 61 for all developing countries, and 1 in 29,800 for Sweden

(Nwosu, Odubanjo & Osinusi, 2009). The proportions of maternal deaths attributable to PPH

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varied considerably between developed and developing countries, suggesting that deaths

from PPH are preventable.

Interventions to prevent PPH in developing countries are therefore pivotal in the global effort

to achieve by 2015 the Millennium Development Goal of reducing maternal mortality ratio

by three-quarters (from 1990 levels).

According to the NDHS (2008) maternal mortality ratio in Nigeria was 545/100,000 live

births, with a wide regional variation. The MMR in Northern Region was consistently over

1,000 per 100,000 live birth compared to the MMR in the Southern Region, which was

frequently below 300 per 100,000 live births (Northwest-1025,Northeast-1549,Southwest-

165,Southeast-285). Also, MMR in rural areas was higher than that of the urban areas (Centre

for reproductive rights, 2009). The wide regional variation is attributed to differences in a

range of factors such as wealth indices, educational level, cultural practices, health care

coverage and utilization (Ozumba, 2009). The main causes of maternal mortality in Nigeria

are post- partum haemorrhage, accounting for 23% of deaths, post-partum infections

accounting for 17%, and the trio of eclampsia, obstructed labour and complications of

abortion each accounting for about 11% of deaths. Other indirect causes of maternal deaths

include malaria and anaemia in pregnancy (FMOH, 2007).

Prevalence of Post Partum Haemorrhage

According to World Health Organization (WHO, 2000), PPH is defined as bleeding from the

genital tract of 500 mls or more within the first 24 hours of delivery of the baby. PPH is the

most common life- threatening complication of the third stage of labour. It can also be a

cause of long-term severe morbidity, and approximately 12% of women who survive PPH

will have severe anemia (Abou-Zahr, 2003; WHO, 2006). Additionally, women who have

severe PPH and survive (“near misses”) are significantly more likely to die in the year

following the PPH (Carrolli, 2007).

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Postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) is the leading cause of maternal mortality worldwide with a

prevalence rate of approximately 6%; Africa has the highest prevalence rate of about 10.5%

Considerable variations were also recorded for different regions of the world ranging from

2.55% in Asia to 10.5% in Africa although the rates were comparable for Europe (6.38%),

Latin America and the Caribbean (8.90%), Northern America (6.37%) and Oceania (7.68%).

However, these regional differences are not a direct reflection of the magnitude and risk of

PPH-related maternal death which are largely determined by the availability of skilled birth

attendants and facilities needed to save women’s lives. The risk of maternal death from PPH

in developing countries is estimated to be one in 1000 deliveries compared with developing

countries such as the UK, where the risk is estimated to be less than one in 100,000 deliveries

(CMACE, 2011).

In Nigeria, PPH is the most common cause of maternal deaths accounting for about 23% of

all maternal deaths (FMOH, 2007). Thus, efforts to achieve the fifth Millennium

Development Goal must therefore include aggressive interventions to reduce PPH-related

death. Although specific studies on postpartum haemorrhage in Nigeria are scanty, the

contribution of postpartum haemorrhage to maternal mortality is well documented.

Balachandran (2005) in Kaduna, Northern Nigeria documented postpartum haemorrhage as

the most common cause of maternal mortality, accounting for 25% of all maternal deaths.

Adewunmi’s (1986) reported that postpartum haemorrhage contributed to 18.7% of maternal

mortality in Ibadan.

Another study from Eastern Nigeria reported 2.72% incidence and a case fatality rate of

3.25% for postpartum haemorrhage (Anya, 1999) .A study conducted in Jos revealed post

partum haemorrhage to be the leading cause of maternal deaths accounting for about 34% of

all the cases (Ujah, Aisien, Mutihir, Vanderjag, Glew & Uguru, 2005).

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Morbidity and mortality due to PPH are largely preventable through skilled care during

childbirth. However, delays in identifying haemorrhage, delays in transport to the appropriate

point of care, and delays in receiving the recommended treatment all contribute to high rates

of maternal mortality and morbidity due to PPH (Okonofua, 2010). In some cases, women

may give birth in facilities where skilled birth attendants lack the necessary skills, equipment,

or supplies to prevent and manage PPH and shock, thus leading to increase in the cases of

PPH. Hence if health workers especially those working in the primary health facility are

equipped with evidenced based knowledge on the prevention and treatment of post partum

haemorrhage there will be less need for referral to secondary or tertiary health care facility

(Okonofua,2010).

OVERVIEW OF ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY OF THE UTERUS

Anatomically, the uterus consists of three divisions: the body or corpus, the isthmus, and the

cervix. The body of the uterus is the uppermost part and forms the bulk of the organ. The

lining of the cavity is continuous with that of the fallopian tubes, which enter at its upper

aspects (the cornua). During pregnancy, the body of the uterus is the portion of the structure

that expands to contain the growing fetus. The portion of the uterus between the points of

attachment of the fallopian tubes is termed the fundus.

The fundus is also the portion that can be palpated abdominally to determine the amount of

uterine growth occurring during pregnancy, to measure the force of uterine contractions

during labor, and to assess that the uterus is returning to its non pregnant state after

childbirth. The isthmus of the uterus is a short segment between the body and the cervix. In

the non pregnant uterus, it is only1 to 2 mm in length. During pregnancy, this portion also

enlarges greatly to aid in accommodating the growing fetus. It is the portion of the uterus that

is most commonly cut when a fetus is born by a cesarean birth.

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The cervix is the lowest portion of the uterus. It represents approximately one third of the

total uterus size and is approximately2 to 5 cm long. Approximately half of it lies above the

vagina and half extends into the vagina. Its central cavity is termed the cervical canal. The

opening of the canal at the junction of the cervix and isthmus is the internal cervicalos; the

distal opening to the vagina is the external cervical os. The level of the external os is at the

level of the Ischia spines (an important relationship in estimating the level of the fetus in the

birth canal).

Uterine and Cervical Coats

The uterine wall consists of three separate coats or layers of tissue: an inner one of mucous

membrane (the endometrium), a middle one of muscle fibers (the myometrium), and an outer

one of connective tissue (the perimetrium).The endometrium layer of the uterus is the one

that is important for menstrual function. It is formed by two layers of cells. The layer closest

to the uterine wall, the basal layer, remains stable, uninfluenced by hormones. In contrast, the

inner glandular layer is greatly influenced by both oestrogen and progesterone. It grows and

becomes so thick and responsive each month under the influence of estrogen and

progesterone that it is capable of supporting a pregnancy. If pregnancy does not occur, this is

the layer that is shed as the menstrual flow. The mucous membrane lining the cervix is

termed the endocervix.

The endocervix, continuous with the endometrium, is also affected by hormones, but changes

are manifested in a more subtle way. The cells of the cervical lining secrete mucus to provide

a lubricated surface so that spermatozoa can readily pass through the cervix; the efficiency of

this lubrication increases or wanes depending on hormone stimulation. At the point in the

menstrual cycle when oestrogen production is at its peak, as much as 700 mls of mucus per

day is produced; at the point that oestrogen is very low, only few millilitres are produced.

Because mucus is alkaline, it helps to decrease the acidity of the upper vagina, aiding in

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sperm survival. During pregnancy, the endocervix becomes plugged with mucus, forming a

seal to keep out ascending infections (the operculum).The lower surface of the cervix and the

lower third of the cervical canal are lined not with mucous membrane but with stratified

squamous epithelium, similar to that lining the vagina.

The myometrium, or muscle layer of the uterus, is composed of three interwoven layers of

smooth muscle, the fibers of which are arranged in longitudinal, transverse, and oblique

directions. This network offers extreme strength to the organ. The myometrium serves the

important function of constricting the tubal junctions and preventing regurgitation of

menstrual blood into the tubes. It also holds the internal cervical os closed during pregnancy

to prevent a preterm birth. When the uterus contracts at the end of pregnancy to expel the

fetus, equal pressure is exerted at all points throughout the cavity because of its unique

arrangement of muscle fibers. After childbirth, this interlacing network of fibers is able to

constrict the blood vessels, thereby limiting the loss of blood in the woman (McCance &

Heuther, 2007).

The perimetrium, or the outermost layer of the uterus, serves the purpose of adding strength

and support to the structure (Pelliteri, 2006).

Uterine Blood Supply

The large descending abdominal aorta divides to form two iliac arteries; main divisions of the

iliac arteries are the hypogastric arteries. These further divide to form the uterine arteries and

supply the uterus. Because the uterine blood supply is not far removed from the aorta, it is

copious and adequate to supply the growing needs of a foetus. As an additional safeguard,

after supplying the ovary with blood, the ovarian artery (a direct subdivision of the aorta)

joins the uterine artery as a fail-safe system to ensure that the uterus will have an adequate

blood supply. The blood vessels that supply the cells and lining of the uterus are tortuous

against the sides of the uterine body in non-pregnant women.

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As the uterus enlarges with pregnancy, the vessels “unwind” and so can stretch to maintain

an adequate blood supply as the organ enlarges. The uterine veins follow the same twisting

course as the arteries; they empty into the internal iliac veins.

After the baby is born, the muscles of the uterus contract, helping the placenta to separate

from the uterine wall. The amount of blood lost depends on how quickly this happens, since

the uterus can contract more effectively after the placenta is expelled. If the uterus does not

contract normally (such as in uterine atony), the blood vessels at the placental site stay open

and haemorrhage results. Because the estimated blood flow to the uterus is 500 to 800

mls/minute at term, most of which passes through the placenta, severe post partum

haemorrhage can occur within just a few minutes. The muscle fibers of the uterus are in a

crosshatch (criss-cross) pattern surrounding maternal blood vessels (Figure 1). After the birth

of the baby, these muscle fibers begin to contract and retract. Oxytocin, a hormone secreted

by the posterior pituitary gland, stimulates uterine contents of the placenta to separate from

the uterine wall. Placental separation occurs by contraction and retraction of the uterine

muscles, reducing the size of the placental area. This reduction in size of the uterus is caused

by retraction of the uterine muscles, a unique characteristic that helps maintain its shortened

length after each contraction.

As the placental area becomes smaller, the placenta begins to separate from the uterine wall

because, unlike the uterus, it is not elastic and cannot contract and retract. At the area where

the placenta separates from the uterus a clot forms. This clot - known as a retro placental clot

- collects between the uterine wall and the placenta and further promotes separation.

Additional uterine contractions complete the separation of the placenta from the uterine wall.

The placenta descends into the lower uterine segment and into the vagina where it is

expelled.

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After separation:

• The placental site is rapidly covered by a fibrin net and clots form.

• The muscle fibers of the uterus compress the blood vessels where the placenta was

attached, helping to control bleeding at the placental site.

• The uterus continues to contract, forcing the placenta and membranes to fall into the

lower uterine segment. With the delivery of the placenta, the uterus is able to contract

completely (Pelliteri, 2006).

PATHOPHYSIOLOGY OF POST-PARTUM HAEMORRHAGE

At term, the uterus and placenta receive 500-800 mls of blood per minute through their low

resistance network of vessels. This high flow predisposes a gravid uterus to significant

bleeding if not well physiologically or medically controlled. By the third trimester, maternal

blood volume increases by 50%, which increases the body's tolerance of blood loss during

delivery. Following delivery of the fetus, the gravid uterus is able to contract down

significantly given the reduction in volume. This allows the placenta to separate from the

uterine interface, exposing maternal blood vessels that interface with the placental surface.

After separation and delivery of the placenta, the uterus initiates a process of contraction and

retraction, shortening its fiber and kinking the supplying blood vessels, like physiologic

sutures or "living ligatures".

If the uterus fails to contract, or the placenta fails to separate or deliver, then significant

haemorrhage may ensue. Uterine atony, or diminished myometrial contractility, accounts for

90% of postpartum hemorrhage (Pelliteri, 2006).

Causes and Risk factor of Post Partum Haemorrhage

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According to Ujah & Ejeh (2005) post partum haemorrhage is most commonly caused by

uterine atony in Nigeria as in other parts of the world. It accounts for 70-80% of the cases

(FMOH, 2011).

Koh, Devendra & Tan (2009) report that there are several possible reasons for severe

bleeding during and after the third stage of labour which includes uterine atony (failure of the

uterus to contract properly after delivery), trauma (cervical, vaginal, or perineal lacerations),

retained or adherent placental tissue, clotting disorders, and inverted or ruptured uterus. More

than one of these can cause postpartum haemorrhage in any given woman.

Recognised risk factors to uterine atony include pre-eclampsia, prolonged or augmented

labour, large baby or multiple foetuses, high parity and use of halogenated anaesthetic agents

prior to delivery (Tsu, 2004). An important predisposing factor that cuts across all causes of

PPH is anaemia in pregnancy and labour. Anaemia increases the risk of dying from PPH

because blood loss that could readily be tolerated by women with normal haemoglobin levels

could be fatal for an anaemic woman. In spite of the long list of risk factors in the literature,

most PPH cases occur in women without any identifiable risk factors and thus preventive

measures are recommended for all women giving birth (WHO, 2005).

Management of post partum haemorrhage

The specific time at which PPH occurs is during the third stage of labour (after delivery of

the baby and until complete delivery of the placenta), when the uterus may suddenly lose its

ability to contract. Indeed uterine atony is the biggest cause of PPH worldwide (WHO, 2007).

Also, predicting who will have PPH based on risk factors is difficult because two thirds of

women who have PPH had no preceding risk factors (JHPIEGO, 2001). Therefore, all

women are considered at risk and PPH prevention must be incorporated into care provided at

every birth.

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An evidence based intervention that is universally recommended for PPH prevention is active

management of third stage of labour (AMTSL) (WHO, 2007 and FMOH, 2011). The World

Health Organization (WHO, 2007) currently recommends that AMTSL should be performed

only by skilled attendants and offered to all women who are giving birth.

It is a set of inter locking intervention that includes the administration of an uterotonic one

minute after birth, control cord traction and uterine massage (Fawole, Awolude, Adenija &

Onafowokan, 2010). It shortens the duration of the third stage of labour, thus decreasing

blood loss after delivery and should be performed by a skilled birth attendant. It also helps in

preventing about 60% of PPH as a result of uterine atony (FMOH, 2011).

Uterotonics are pharmacological agents that help to induce contraction of the uterus.

According to Okonofua (2011), administration of a potent uterotonic drug will prevent severe

haemorrhage and reduce the likelihood of maternal mortality when uterine atony occurs.

WHO (2005) also recommends the use of intravenous oxytocin or ergometrine as first or

second line drugs, respectively for the prevention and treatment of uterine atony that leads to

PPH.

However, there are limitations to the routine in all settings especially in primary health care

setting. Firstly they can only be administered by parenteral injections and may be expensive

especially when the cost of purchasing syringes, needles and antiseptics are added to the

computations. Secondly, the drugs have short half lives as 80% of their potency could be lost

by inappropriate storage especially in low resource settings. It is within this context that

misoprostol, an analogue of prostaglandin, has advantages over oxytocin and ergometrine

(Okonofua, 2010).

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Misoprostol In The Prevention And Treatment Of Post Partum Haemorrhage

Misoprostol is a synthetic prostaglandin E1 analog (cytotec) that causes powerful

contractions of the uterus when the uterus is fatigued (uterine atony) (Okonofua, 2010).

Misoprostol has an excellent safety profile with over 1500 studies published on its use. It has

been widely used in obstetrics for decades and is a proven, evidence-based drug that reduces

postpartum blood loss as a result of uterine atony (Alfirevic et al, 2007). Studies have shown

that misoprostol, aprostaglandin-E1 analogue, is effective in causing the uterus to contract; it

stops PPH within minutes (Goldberg et al, 2001; Lokugamage et al, 2001).

WHO (2009) recommends the use of misoprostol in the prevention and treatment of PPH in

settings where it is not possible to use oxytocin or another injectable uterotonic .In addition, it

is recommended that health workers who will administer misoprostol should be trained in its

correct use after birth of the baby in order to avoid its administration before birth at incorrect

doses, and in identifying and managing its side-effects. This means this drug will be of great

importance in primary health care settings where it is difficult to maintain the efficacy of

injectable uterotonics (oxytocin and ergometrine). Studies have also documented the

effectiveness of misoprostol in the prevention and treatment of post partum haemorrhage. In

India, a trial found that misoprostol reduced bleeding after child birth by 5.6% and severe

bleeding by 11% (Derman, Kodkary & Goudar, 2006). A recent study on the cost

effectiveness of misoprostol at the community level also in India estimated that it reduced

maternal mortality by an estimated 70% when given sublingually to treat severe bleeding and

when given orally to prevent severe bleeding, the reduction was 81% (Suther, 2010).

Advantages of misoprostol over other conventional uterotonic drug in prevention and

management of post-partum haemorrhage

The FMOH (2007) outlined the following advantages of misoprostol over other uterotonic

drug like oxytocin and ergometrine which includes:-

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• It acts faster about 3-5 minutes following oral administration

• Misoprostol is inexpensive,

• easy to store,

• widely available,

• stable in field temperature (does not require refrigeration)

• Misoprostol does not required an injection and it can be used in women with

hypertensive disorders in pregnancy, in contrast to its ergot-based counterpart.

Use of Misoprostol in the Prevention and Treatment of Post-Partum Haemorrhage

In Nigeria, misoprostol was approved in 2006 for the prevention and treatment of postpartum

haemorrhage. Following the approval, a clinical guideline was developed to guide health care

workers on the use of this drug in 2007 (FMOH, 2011). The drug has also been added to the

country’s essential drug list in 2011 showing its significance in the prevention and treatment

of PPH.

The dosage and route of administration of misoprostol for PPH depend on its indication

either for prevention or treatment. The different routes of administration are oral, under the

tongue (sublingual), vaginally and rectally. The table below gives the recommended dosage

for the two indications.

Table 1: Dosage of Misoprostol for Prevention and treatment of PPH

Indication Dosage

(a) Prevention of post-partum

haemorrhage.

600ug orally within one minute of delivery

(b) Treatment of post-partum

haemorrhage

1000mcg rectally

Source FMOHN 2011: clinical guideline on use of misoprostol

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Steps in Misoprostol Administration for the prevention of post partum haemorrhage

According to FMOH, (2011) the steps in misoprostol administration for prevention of PPH,

are ensure three tablets of Misoprostol (3x200mcq) are at hand at the second stage of labour,

Palpate the uterus for any more foetus(es).If yes, complete delivery of the fetus.

If no, Administer 600mcq (3x200mcq) sublingually to the patient immediately after delivery

of the baby before the placenta is delivered.

For the treatment of post partum haemorrhage, 1000mcq (5x200mcq) tablets should be

inserted rectally after blood loss exceeding 500mls. If bleeding persists, do not repeat dose

refer to nearest hospital (FMOH 2011).

Side effects of misoprostol in the prevention and management of PPH

According to the FMOH (2011), the side effects of misoprostol includes headache, nausea,

vomiting and diarrhoea when administered orally, transient increase in body temperature,

shivering and lower abdominal pain from uterine contraction.These side effects, particularly

fever and shivering, are dose-related, self-limiting and do not require any medication

(Okonofua, 2010).However, Federal Ministry of Health Nigeria (2006) advocates the use of

analgesia like paracetamol in case of fever and shivering.

Health workers responsibility in administration of misoprostol in prevention and

treatment of PPH

The Federal Ministry of Health (2007) opined that nurses should ensure the five right of drug

administration, watch out for symptom of side effect, treat as appropriate any side effect, as

well as to document and report any side effect to the appropriate authority

Factors influencing Use of Misoprostol.

Some of the factors that may enhance or inhibit the use of misoprostol are:-

Policy

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Misoprostol was approved in 2006 for the prevention and treatment of postpartum

haemorrhage among providers trained for its use. It was also included in the country’s

essential drug list in March 2011 validating its safety and efficacy in the prevention and

treatment of postpartum haemorrhage. In order to promote correct use at primary health care

level, primary health care workers within 36 states of Nigeria were trained on the knowledge

and use of this drug (FMOH, 2011). In turn, such training is expected to influence facility

policies and practices.

Availability of misoprostol

The sufficient availability of Misoprostol, at national and local levels is essential for routine

use of the drug for the prevention and treatment of post partum haemorrhage. A 2006

Nigerian study on the availability of misoprostol indicated that only two percent and five

percent of pharmacies, in the cities of Lagos and Abuja respectively, had misoprostol in stock

(Akiode et al. 2008).This raises the crucial concern about the importance of ensuring

universal availability of the medication to ensure sustainability (Westheimer & Blum, 2004;

Prata et al. 2009).

Effectiveness of the drug

Providers’ previous experiences with the drug will influence the use of the drug if the

providers experience was positive (Westheimer & Blum 2004; Prata et al. 2009).

THEORETICAL REVIEW

For the purpose of this study the Health promotion model was utilized as a working

framework. The health promotion model (HPM) proposed by Nola Pender (1982; revised,

1996) was designed to be a “complementary counterpart to models of health protection”. It

defines health as a positive dynamic state not merely the absence of disease. Health

promotion is directed at increasing a client’s level of wellbeing. The model focuses on the

following three areas:

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• Individual characteristics and experiences

• Behaviour-specific cognitions and affect

• Behavioural outcomes

The health promotion model notes that each person has unique personal characteristics and

experiences that affect subsequent actions. The set of variables for behavioural specific

knowledge and affect have important motivational significance. Health promoting behaviour

is the desired behavioural outcome and is the end point in the HPM. Health promoting

behaviours should result in improved health, enhanced functional ability and better quality of

life at all stages of development. The final behavioural demand is also influenced by the

immediate competing demand and preferences, which can derail intended health promoting

actions.

ASSUMPTIONS OF THE HEALTH PROMOTION MODEL

The HPM is based on the following assumptions, which reflect both nursing and behavioural

science perspectives:

1. Individuals seek to actively regulate their own behaviour.

2. Individuals in all their biopsychosocial complexity interact with the environment,

progressively transforming the environment and being transformed over time.

3. Health professionals constitute a part of the interpersonal environment, which exerts

influence on persons throughout their lifespan.

4. Self-initiated reconfiguration of person-environment interactive patterns is essential to

behaviour change.

The major concepts and definitions of the health promotion model

• Individual Characteristics and Experience

• Prior related behaviour

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• Frequency of the similar behaviour in the past. Direct and indirect effects on the

likelihood of engaging in health promoting behaviours.

Personal factors

Personal factors categorized as biological, psychological and socio-cultural. These factors are

predictive of a given behaviour and shaped by the nature of the target behaviour,being

considered.

Personal biological factors

• Include variable such as age, gender, body mass index, pubertal status, aerobic

capacity, strength, agility, or balance.

Personal psychological factors

• Include variables such as self esteem, self motivation, personal competence perceived

health status and definition of health.

Personal socio-cultural factors

• Include variables such as race ethnicity, acculturation, education and socioeconomic

status.

• Behavioural Specific Cognition and Affect

Perceived benefits of action

• Anticipated positive outcomes that will occur from health behaviour.

Perceived barriers to action

• Anticipated, imagined or real blocks and personal costs of understanding a given

behaviour.

Perceived self efficacy

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This is the judgment of a person’s capability to organise and execute a health-promoting

behaviour. Perceived self efficacy influences perceived barriers to action. So higher efficacy

result in lowered perceptions of barriers to the performance of the behaviour.

Activity related affect

Activity-related affect influences perceived self-efficacy, which means the more positive the

subjective feeling, the greater the feeling of efficacy. In turn, increased feelings of efficacy

can generate further positive affect.

Interpersonal influences

This has to do with cognition concerning behaviours, beliefs, or attitudes of the others.

Interpersonal influences include: norms (expectations of significant others), social support

(instrumental and emotional encouragement) and modelling (vicarious learning through

observing others engaged in a particular behaviour). Primary sources of interpersonal

influences are families, peers, and healthcare providers.

Situational influences

Personal perceptions and cognitions of any given situation or context that can facilitate or

impede behaviour and includes perceptions of options available, demand characteristics and

aesthetic features of the environment in which given health promoting is proposed to take

place. Situational influences may have direct or indirect influences on health behaviour.

Behavioural Outcome:

Commitment to plan of action

The concept of intention and identification of a planned strategy leads to implementation of

health behaviour.

Immediate competing demands and preferences

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Competing demands are those alternative behaviours over which individuals have low control

because there are environmental contingencies such as work or family care responsibilities.

Competing preferences are alternative behaviour over which individuals exert relatively high

control.

Health promoting behaviour

Endpoint or action outcome directed toward attaining positive health outcome such as

optimal well-being, personal fulfilment, and productive living.Community health care setting

is the best avenue in promoting health & preventing illnesses. Using Pender’s Health

Promotion Model, community program may be focused on activities that can improve the

well-being of the people.

Figure 1: Health Belief Model (Pender, 1982)

Application of the health promotion model

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Theoretical statements derived from the model provide a basis for investigative work on

health behaviours. The HPM is based on the following theoretical propositions:-

1. Prior behaviour (knowledge and use of misoprostol in the prevention and treatment of

PPH).

2. Personal factors: Training on the knowledge and use of misoprostol in the prevention

and treatment of PPH will enhance commitment to the action.

3. Perceived benefits: These are the benefits of a particular action that will likely

influence the use of a particular health intervention. (What are the primary health care

providers perceived benefits on the use of misoprostol in the prevention and treatment

of PPH).

4. Perceived barriers can constrain commitment to action, a mediator of behaviour as

well as actual behaviour.(regular supply of the drug, availability of misoprostol in

primary health care centres )

5. Perceived competence or self-efficacy to execute a given behaviour increases the

likelihood of commitment to action and actual performance of the behaviour.(Do the

primary health care workers see themselves competent enough in overcoming those

barriers).

6. Greater perceived self-efficacy results in fewer perceived barriers to a specific health

behaviour.

7. Activity related affect: Positive affect toward a behaviour results in greater perceived

self-efficacy, which can in turn, result in increased positive affect. When positive

emotions or affect are associated with a behaviour, the probability of commitment and

action is increased. (What are the providers’ experiences with the use of misoprostol

for the prevention and treatment of PPH).

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8. Situational influences in the external environment can increase or decrease

commitment to or participation in health-promoting behaviour.(Policy on the use of

the drug, increased cases of PPH).

9. The greater the commitments to a specific plan of action, the more likely health-

promoting behaviours are to be maintained over time

10. Commitment to a plan of action is likely to result in the desired behaviour. (Correct

use of misoprostol for the prevention and treatment of PPH).

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Figure 2: Conceptual model for knowledge and use of misoprostol in the prevention and

treatment of post partum haemorrhage among primary health care providers in

Zaria metropolis, Kaduna state: adapted from the Health Promotion Model

(Pender, 1996)

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Figure 3: Conceptual model of the study developed using the Pender Health

Promotion Model (Musa, 2012)

The independent variables are training on use of misoprostol in the prevention and treatment

of post-partum haemorrhage and knowledge of misoprostol in the prevention and treatment

of PPH. The intervening variables are the providers previuos experiences with the use of the

drug for the prevention and treatment of PPH, number of cases of post-partum haemorrhage,

competency of primary health care provider on the use of the drug, availability of the drug,

perceived benefits of the drug by the primary health care workers. The intervening variables

are expected to influence the degree to which the independent variables will determine the

correct use of misoprostol in the prevention and treatment of postpartum haemorrhage.

The dependent variables are described as the expected outcome of the intervention. They

include training on use of misoprostol and Knowledge of misoprostol based on the

recommended guidelines in the prevention and treatment of post partum haemorrhage. The

researcher conceptualizes that providing knowledge of misoprostol through training will

promote knowledge and thus influences clinical practice (correct use of misoprostol for

prevention and treatment of PPH).

- Training on use of misoprostol - Knowledge of misoprostol for prevention and treatment of PPH

- Previous experience of primary healthcare provider on the use of drug. - Number of PPH cases - Competency of primary health care workers - Availability of Misoprostol - Perceived benefits of the drug by the providers

Use of misoprostol for the prevention and treatment of PPH as recommended by the National Guideline

Independent Variable

Intervening Variable

Dependent Variable

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Also availability of misoprostol in the health facilities will ensure easy access thereby

promoting the use of the drug. This will prevent complications of post partum haemorrhage

and thus promoting health, wellbeing and good maternal outcome

EMPIRICAL REVIEW

A study conducted in Ethiopia by the Federal Ministry of Health Ethiopia (FMOHE) on

provider’s knowledge and practice of AMTSL using misoprostol in primary healthcare

facilities revealed the following: 103 health extension workers(HEW) and 73 midwives and

nurses (HCW) were included in the study. The researcher employed both quantitative and

qualitative methods including key informant interview and focus group discussion. Results

from the quantitative methods revealed that none of the health extension worker one hundred

and three (100%) and healthcare providers (73 midwives and Nurses) could state the correct

components of active management of third stage of labour.

Additionally, only eighty (80.5%) of the health extension workers and sixty eight (93.1%) of

the healthcare providers knew that the purpose of AMTSL was to prevent PPH .Sixty seven

(65.0%) of HEW and fifty nine (81.9%) HCW indicated that they practice AMTSL.

However, ninety four (91.3%) of HEW and forty three (59.7%) of HCW had used

misoprostol as a uterotonics while only nine (8.7%) of HCW and twenty nine (40.3%) of

HCW had never used the drug as a uterotonic. Eighty-four (74.5%) of the HEW and thirty six

(83.7%) of HCW stated that they administer the drug immediately after childbirth before

separation of placenta while ten (10.6%) of HEW and seven (16.3%) of the HCW stated they

administer the drug after placenta has been delivered. Fifty-six (54.4%) of HEW and twenty-

one (48.8%) of HCW stated that they have encountered side effects related to misoprostol.

Forty-three (41.7%) of the HCW and twenty-two (50.3%) of the HCW stated that they have

never encountered side effects related to misoprostol. Ninety-two (97.9%) of the HCW and

all forty-three (100%) of the HCW stated that from their experience, misoprostol effectively

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managed PPH. Regarding availability of misoprostol, fifty-six (54.4%) of the health workers

and twenty-one (48.8%) of HCW stated that the drug is sometimes available while forty-three

(41.71%) of the HCW and twenty-two (48.3%) of the health workers stated that it is always

available in their facility. Only one (2.0%) of the HCW stated that the drug is never

available. All the respondents stated that the major source of supply is from donations by

Non- governmental Organizations. The study concluded that the providers’ knowledge of

AMTSL is poor and that misoprostol can be safely and effectively administered by health

extension workers if preceded by proper training and supervision. The study recommended

that there should be routine training of healthcare workers and health extension workers on

AMTSL using misoprostol in primary healthcare level.

In another study conducted by Wassberg (2004) in Uganda on Use & Availability Of

Misoprostol In Three Primary Health Centres Mulago, Nsanbya and Jinga in Uganda

revealed the following

In Mulago, eleven midwives and six senior health officers were included for the study. In

Nsanbya eleven midwives and one junior health officer were included while in Jinja, only

one midwife was included in the study making a total of thirty respondents. In Mulago, the

study revealed that only three (27%) of the midwives have used misoprostol in the

prevention and treatment of PPH, none of the senior health officers have ever used the drug

for the treatment of PPH. In Nsanbya and Jinja, none of the midwives or health officer had

ever used the drug in the prevention and treatment of PPH. Regarding dosage and route of

administration, 33% of the respondent stated 600mcq (x3tabs) for the treatment of PPH

while 66.6% indicated 400mcq(2tabs) orally and rectally for the treatment of PPH. From the

overall assessment of correct use of misoprostol, only 40% and 20% had used misoprostol

correctly for the prevention and treatment of post partum haemorrhage respectively.

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Regarding experience of side effect due to treatment with misoprostol all the respondents

indicate hyper stimulation of the uterus as the common side effect related to the use of the

drug. Regarding where patient gets misoprostol from, two (18%) of the midwives indicated

that the hospital provides the drugs to them and eight (72%) of the respondents stated that

they purchase the drug in a pharmacy outside the facility, only 9% of the midwives stated

donations from Non-governmental organization. Regarding availability of misoprostol,

86.4% of the respondents indicated that the drugs are never available, 9% stated that the drug

is rarely available and 54.5% stated that the drug is occasionally available.

Regarding the present availability of misoprostol in Mulago ten (90%) of the respondents

stated that the drug misoprostol is not sufficiently available in Uganda and only one (10%) of

the respondents agreed that the drug is available. The main reason for the insufficient

availability mentioned were cost, insufficient availability in pharmacy, lack of knowledge

and fear of its side effects such as uterine rupture.

Regarding source of information about Misoprostol, four (36%) of the respondents’ stated

scientific report and seven (63%) indicated from colleagues. Regarding overall experience

from using misoprostol in the prevention and treatment of PPH, one (33%) of the

respondents stated that they had a very good experience with using the drug for the treatment

of PPH and two (66.6%) stated they had a good experience with the use of the drug.

The study concluded that misoprostol is not sufficiently available in Kampala and clinics in

rural areas and there is wide variety in dosage routines and preferred route of administration

among health workers. The study also recommended that more education and training is

required in order to make health staff confident in using misoprostol and minimizing the risk

of severe side effect which is dose-dependent.

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In another study in Nigeria conducted by Okonofua (2010) on knowledge and correct use of

misoprostol in active management of third stage of labour and treatment of PPH in four local

government area in Ondo state using forty nine (49) PHC facilities revealed the following

when asked whether they encounter deliveries that are complicated by PPH, fifteen out of the

forty-nine PHC facilities (30.6%) reported that they do. It was not clear why the others did

not report cases of PPH as PPH is the most common delivery complication which ought to

have been encountered and reported. None of the PHC facilities kept accurate records of the

number of deliveries or complications of pregnancies and none had clear procedures or

guidelines for managing pregnant women which could explain the lack of data and

information on PPH. With regard to prevention of primary postpartum, none of the PHC

workers could accurately describe AMTSL and none had clear guidelines located in its

facility on methods of preventing and treating PPH. When asked what drugs they administer

for the prevention of PPH, the most frequently mentioned drug was ergometrine indicated by

twenty three out of the fourty-nine PHC locations; this was followed by oxytocin, indicated

by twenty-one PHC locations. By contrast, none of the PHC location reported that they use

misoprostol for the prevention of PPH. When asked the timing of the drug administration for

the prevention of PPH, the result showed a propensity by PHC worker to administer

uterotonics after the delivery of the placenta. For the treatment of PPH, twenty two PHC

facilities in the four locations reported the use of ergometrine as compared to thirteen that

reported use of oxytocin. None of the PHC locations in the four LGAs visited reported the

use of misoprostol for the treatment of PPH. Twenty-three out of the fourty-nine PHC

facilities sampled had no stock of any uterotonics at the time of the needs assessment study.

Regarding knowledge and current use of misoprostol, only four (8.2%) of the forty

respondents indicated that they have heard of misoprostol (3 in Owo and 1 in Akure South

LGA). However, when asked route of administration of misoprostol and the dose for the

prevention of PPH, only four (8.2%) could mention the correct dose or route of

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administration. Only 10 % of the respondents had a high level of knowledge of misoprostol

for the prevention and treatment of post partum haemorrhage.None of the respondents had

ever misoprostol for the prevention or treatment of PPH. Also, none of the PHC workers had

ever stocked the drug in the pharmacy.

The study concluded that there is poor knowledge in the use of evidence-based methods for

the prevention and treatment of PPH in PHC setting in the four LGAs. In particular, there

was evidence of poor use of AMTSL for the prevention of PPH, poor knowledge and use of

misoprostol in the prevention and treatment of PPH and inadequate supplies of available

uterotonics especially misoprostol in PHCs in the selected four(4) LGAs of Ondo state. The

researcher therefore concluded that there is need to target capacity building of primary health

worker’s as an approach to improve the management of the third stage of labour and

treatment of PPH using misoprostol thereby reducing maternal mortality from PPH in rural

communities. The researcher recommended that there is the need to improve the drug supply

mechanism and availability in the LGA’s and intensify public health education and advocacy

to increase women’s access to essential services (Okonofua, 2010).

Another study on knowledge and correct use of misoprostol in active management of third

stage of labour and treatment of PPH was conducted by Okonofua (2010) in three (3) LGA’s

in Edo state. These include sixteen PHC facilities in Esan West, thirteen in Esan Central

and 10 in Igueben LGA. Thirty three midwives were included from the three local

governments, 14 in Esan West, 9 in Esan Central, 10 in Igueben LGA. When asked whether

they encountered deliveries that are complicated by PPH, eleven out of the thirty-three (33)

PHC facilities (33.3%) reported that they do. It was not clear why others did not report cases

of PPH as PPH is the most commonest delivery complication which ought to have been

encountered and reported. None of the PHC workers could accurately describe the active

management of the third stage of labour (AMTSL) and none had a clear guidelines located in

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its service facilities on methods for preventing and treating PPH. Regarding drugs they

administer for prevention of PPH, twenty three out of the thirty-three PHC facilities indicated

ergomentrine and twenty-one PHC facilities stated oxytocin/pitocin. By contrast, only two

PHC facilities mentioned that they use misoprostol for the prevention of PPH and nine (8 in

Esan West and one in Esan Central) reported that they administer Vit K, which is not a

known uterotonic for the prevention of PPH but is known to regulate blood coagulation.

When asked the timing of the drug administration for the prevention of PPH, the result

showed a propensity by PHC workers to administer uterotonics after the delivery of the

placenta. This confirms a tendency towards passive management of the third stage of labour

rather than active management that is more likely to reduce the risk of PPH.This result

showed that none of the PHCs workers could correctly describe AMTSL for the prevention

of PPH. For the treatment of PPH, 24 PHC facilities reported use of oxytocin/pitocin, twenty-

four(24) reported ergometrine, while thirteen(13) reported use of Vit. K .Only one PHC

facility in Esan West reported that they use misoprostol. Also ten out of the thirty-three (33)

PHCs sampled had no stock of any uterotonic at the time of this study. Regarding knowledge

and use of misoprostol, eight (24.2%) of the respondents indicated that they have heard of

misoprostol. However, when asked the route of administration and the dose for the

prevention of PPH, only five (15.1%) respondents indicated correctly. Similarly, only three

respondents (2 in Esan West and 1 in Igueben LGA) correctly mentioned the route of

administration of misoprostol for treatment of PPH but none could mention the correct dose

for this purpose. Additionally none of the respondent could indicate the multiple routes of

administration of misoprostol. Majority(90%) of the respondents had a low level of

knowledge of misoprostol for the prevention and treatment of post partum haemorhage and

10% had high level of knowledge. Regarding source of supply of misoprostol to PHC

facilities, only one of the respondent indicated that they obtain their supplies from a nearby

pharmacy. The others did not know their sources of supply. As for the cost of misoprostol,

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among respondents who had heard of misoprostol (n=8), the answers ranged from N300 –

N400, with a median of N350.0 (N1=US$ 1.15). Thus, the estimated reported cost of

misoprostol in the LGAs was US$2.5 per tablet.

The study concluded that there is poor knowledge on the use of evidence-based method in

prevention and treatment of PPH. It concluded that there is need for capacity building

workshop aimed at improving the knowledge and skills of primary healthcare workers on

prevention and management of PPH, knowledge and correct use of misoprostol in the

prevention and treatment of PPH, establishment of misoprostol drug revolving fund,

advocacy/public health education on creating public knowledge about maternal mortality and

PPH and increasing official commitment to providing resources, including misoprostol to

reduce maternal mortality associated with PPH in the LGA’s in Edo state (Okonofua, 2010).

Summary of literature review

The literature review provided an overview of the maternal mortality and post partum

haemorrhage, overview of Anatomy and Physiology of the uterus, pathophysiology of PPH,

causes and risk factors, treatment of PPH, Advantages of misoprostol over other conventional

uterotonic drug in the prevention and treatment of PPH .Use of misoprostol, and factors

influencing use of misoprostol.

Health promotion model was used as a working framework for the study. According to the

empirical review, only few studies have been conducted on this subject matter. However the

few studies available showed that the earlier researchers in this area basically looked on

knowledge, use and availability of misoprostol in the prevention and treatment of post partum

haemorrhage. They failed to look into factors influencing use of the drug in the prevention

and treatment of PPH despite its advantages over other conventional uterotonics. These may

be the reasons why the drugs are not commonly used in some facilities. This is considered a

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serious gap as factors influencing use of the drug will help in identifying the specific

problems.

Therefore, there is a great need for more studies to be carried out on knowledge and correct

use of misoprostol as well as factors influencing its use in the prevention and treatment of

post partum haemorrhage. Hence in an attempt to bridge the gap, the present study was set to

determine knowledge and use of misoprostol as well as identify factors influencing use of

misoprostol in the prevention and treatment of post partum haemorrhage.

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CHAPTER THREE

RESEARCH METHODS

This chapter dwelt with the procedure adopted for the investigation under the following sub-

headings: research design, area of study, target population, subjects of study, instrument for

data collection, validity and reliability of the instrument, ethical consideration, procedure for

data collection and method of data analysis.

Research Design

This study adopted a cross-sectional descriptive design to describe the knowledge and use of

misoprostol in the prevention and treatment of post partum haemorrhage among primary

health care workers in Zaria metropolis. This design was chosen because ,according to

Fajonmi(2003) survey is used for descriptive, explanatory purposes ,and of course this

survey is descriptive in nature and therefore is more appropriate for this study. However,

cross sectional descriptive design is considered appropriate because it allows for collection of

data from a group of people at the same time for the purpose of describing a phenomena

under study .Descriptive study also allows the investigator to discuss the phenomena under

study as it exists at the time of study.

Area of the Study

The study was carried out in health facilities within Zaria metropolis which comprised of two

LGA (Zaria and Sabon-Gari LGAs). There are nine (9) primary health care facilities in

Sabon-Gari local government and a total of fifteen (15) primary health care facilities in Zaria

local government providing maternal health services (Sabon-Gari and Zaria Local

Government Health Department Record). Majority of the clients attending the primary health

care facilities are women from the rural communities. Zaria is located at some eighty three

kilometer (83km) to the north of Kaduna. It is located on a Plateau at a height of about 2200

feet above sea level, in the centre of Northern Nigerian (Mortimore, 1979). Formerly known

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as Zazzau, Zaria was one of the original seven states of the old Hausa Kingdom founded in

the early 15th century that rose to prominence in the early 16th century under the leadership of

Queen Amina. It has a total population of 408,198 (NPC, 2006). The inhabitants are

predominantly Hausa-Fulani, with a significant representation of the Yorubas and Ibos from

the southern part of the country

Population of study

The study population includes all the nurses, midwives and community health workers

working in the primary health care facilities that provide maternal health services in Zaria

metropolis. As at the time of the study, there were one hundred and fifty six workers

distributed across the twenty four primary health care facilities in the Zaria and Sabon-Gari

LGA and they form the population of the study (Appendix B)

Subjects of Study

The subjects of the study consisted of all the one hundred and fifty –six primary health care

providers providing delivery care services in the twenty four facilities in the two local

government area. Due to the small population size, the entire health workers were used for

the study. This is in line with Fisher (1983) and Shelly (1984), in their studies involving

small population that all elements can and should be included in the study, hence no sampling

is needed.

Inclusion Criteria

• All trained primary health care workers (Nurses, Midwives and Community health

extension workers) working in antenatal wards, postnatal wards & labour room in the

two local government areas

• Willingness to participate in the study.

• Present at the time of data collection.

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Instrument for data collection

The instrument used for data collection was a questionnaire (Appendix A) designed by the

researcher based on guidelines on the use of misoprostol for the prevention and treatment of

post -partum haemorrhage according to the FMOH( 2011). The questionnaire was made up of

thirty-two items based on the objectives of the study. It consisted of four parts: Section

A,B,C,D. Section A, consisted of four questions to describe the socio-demographic

characteristics of the respondents. Section B was made up of thirteen questions to measure

the respondents knowledge of misoprostol in the prevention and treatment of PPH . Section C

consisted of nine questions to measure the use of misoprostol among the primary health care

workers. Section D consisted of eight questions to elicit factors influencing use of

misoprostol for the prevention and treatment of post partum haemorrhage.

Validity of the research instrument.

Face validity of the instrument (questionnaire) was determined by the judgment of the

supervisor . For the content validity, the instrument, and research objectives were submitted

to the project supervisor, a clinical expert, a Professor in Obstetrics & Gynecology ABUTH

and a Professor of Maternal and Newborn nursing in the Department of Nursing Sciences

ABU, Zaria to critically assess for relevance of the content, clarity of statements and logical

accuracy of the instrument. Their suggestions and corrections were effected thus increasing

the items from 28 to 33.

Reliability of the research instrument

The stability of the instrument was determined using a test – retest reliability. A pilot study

was conducted using twenty health workers that met the inclusion criteria and not part of the

study population in Giwa local Government. The instrument was administered twice to the 20

health workers at 2 weeks interval. The scores from the two administrations were correlated

using the Pearson Product moment correlation coefficient method. A correlation co-efficient

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of 0.98 was obtained. According to Tuckman, (1999), the nearer to 1 the co-efficient of

reliability of an instrument the more reliable the instrument, thus the instrument was

considered to be reliable.

Ethical consideration

Ethical approval was obtained from the health research ethical committee of Ahmadu Bello

University Teaching Hospital Zaria(Appendix D).All respondents were fully informed of the

objective and design of the study and written consents were obtained from each of the respondents

(Appendix E).

Procedure for Data Collection.

With the ethical approval and letter of introduction, from the head of department of Nursing

Sciences University of Nigeria Enugu Campus(Appendix G), permission to carry out the

study in the local government area was obtained from the Head of Health of the two

LGA’s(Appendix Eand F) .Four research assistants who were trained on the purpose of the

study and how to collect data from the respondents were utilized for the study.The training

involved discussion of objectives of the study, contents of the instruments and how to

administer the instrument. Objectivity and confidentiality on information gathered were

emphasized. The researcher and research assistants visited the head of each facility for self

introduction before the collection of data. Upon accepting to participate in the research, and after

signing the informed consent sheet(Appendix H) those who met the inclusion criteria had a copy of

the instrument administered to them, after the purpose of the study had been explained to them. They

were asked to read the contents as carefully as possible and respond to each item as applied to them.

The researcher and two research assistants administered questionnaires to all respondents in

fifteen primary health care facilities of Zaria local Government while the other two research

assistants administered questionnaires to respondents in Sabon Gari Local Government with

nine facilities. The questionnaires were administered each day between 2nd December 2012

to 31st January 2013 and data collection ended 6th febuary 2012.

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Method of data analysis

Descriptive statistics including frequencies (f), percentages, were used to present the data

on socio-demographic variables, knowledge of misoprostol,use of misoprostol and factors

influencing use. Inferential statistic was used to test for relationship among variables using

Pearson Chi square test. The level for statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. For the

purpose of this study, knowledge of the respondents was categorized in to three levels .To

achieve this, a scoring system was developed. There was a total of 13 questions on

knowledge of which five were rated 10mrks and the remaining eight where rated 6.25 mrks

each making a total of 100%.. Respondents scoring 80-100% was graded as having high level

of knowledge,50-79% as moderate level of Knowledge and 49% and below was regarded

as having low level of knowledge of misoprostol for the prevention and treatment of

postpartum haemorrhage.

The analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 16.0.

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CHAPTER FOUR

PRESENTATION OF RESULTS

A total of 156 questionnaires were administered to the respondents and 150 were completely

filled and retrieved giving a response rate of 96.2%.

Table 2: Socio-Demographic Characteristics of the Respondents

Table 2 above reveals that 40.7% of the respondents are between 20-30 years of age, 37%

were between 31-40yrs, 20% are between 41-50yrs while only 2% of the respondents are

between 51years and above. Also the table reveals that 29 (19.3%) .With regards to the

professional cadre of the staff, 26(17.3%) of the respondents where registered Nurses,

44(29.3%) were Nurse midwives, 47(31.3%) were senior community health extension

F (%)

Age 20-30 61 40.7

31-40 56 37.3

41-50 30 20.0

51 and above 3 2.0

Total 150 100

Sex Male 29 19.3

Female 121 80.7

Total 150 100

Prof. cadre Nurse 26 17.3

Nurse/Midwife 44 29.3

SCHEW 47 31.3

JCHEW 20 13.3

CHO 13 8.7

Total 150 100.0

Years of work

experience

0-5yrs 51 34.0

6-10yrs 50 33.3

11-15yrs 26 17.3

16-20yrs 13 8.7

Above 20 yrs 10 6.7

Total 150 100

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workers, 20(13.3%) were junior community health extension workers while 13(8.7%) were

community health officers

Table 3: Level of knowledge of misoprostol for the prevention and treatment of

post partum haemorrhage

Level of knowledge Frequency(percentage)

High 47(31.3)

Moderate 27(18.0)

Low 76(50.6)

Total 150

The table above shows that only 31.3% of the respondents had high level of knowledge of

misoprostol for the prevention and treatment of postpartum haemorrhage.

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Table 4: Use of Misoprostol in the prevention and treatment of PPH

Variables Response F (%)

Have you ever used misoprostol for the prevention of PPH

Yes 101 67.3

No 49 32.7

Total 150 100

If yes what dose did you administer?

Correct 55 54.5

Incorrect 46 35.5

Total 101 100

What was the route of administration?

Correct 66 65.3

Incorrect 35 34.7

Total 101 100

When did you administered the drug?

Correct 56 55.4

Incorrect 45 44.6

Total 101 100

Have you used Misoprostol in the treatment of PPH.

Yes 99 66

No 51 34

Total 150 100

If yes, what dosage did you administered?

Correct 28 28.3

Incorrect 71 71.7

Total 99 100

What is your most frequent route of administration?

Correct 28 28.3

Incorrect 71 71.7

Total 99 100

Have you witnessed any of your patients with any side effect of misoprostol?

Yes 61 61.6

No 38 38.4

Total 99 100

If yes what are the side effect?

Hyperpyrexia 30 49.2

Rigors and chill Headache

20 11

32.8 18.0

Total 61 100

Table 4 above shows that 101(67.3%) of the respondents had used misoprostol before.

55(54.5%) of the respondents administered the correct dose of misoprostol for the prevention

of PPH. Furthermore, only 66(65.3%) of the respondents administered the drug through the

correct route. The table also shows that only 56(55.4%) of the respondents administered the

drug at the correct time. About 99 (66%) of the respondents have used misoprostol for the

treatment of PPH, only 28(28.3%) of the respondents used the correct dosage of misoprostol

for the treatment of PPH. While only 28(28.3%) of the respondents administered the drug

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through the correct route for the treatment of PPH and only 61(61.6%) of the respondents had

witnessed the side effect of misoprostol.

Table 5: Correct use of misoprostol for prevention and treatment of post partum

haemorrhage

Use of

Misoprostol

Use of misoprostol for prevention

of PPH(Frequency/percent)

Use of misoprostol for the

treatment of PPH

(frequency/percent)

Correct use 39(38.6) 16(16.2)

Incorrect use 62(61.4) 83(83.8)

Total 101 99

Table 5 above shows that only 39 (38.6%) of the respondents had used misoprostol correctly

for the prevention of PPH while only16 (16.2%) had used misoprostol correctly for the

treatment of PPH.

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Table 6: Factors influencing use of Misoprostol for the prevention and treatment of post

partum haemorrhage.

Table 6 reveals that only 35(23.3%) of the respondents had received training on the use of

misoprostol. Also only 41(27.3%) of the respondents stated that the drug is always available

in their facility. Out of the 41 respondents who stated the drug is always available in their

facility, 23(56.1%) of the respondents stated local government store as the source of their

supply of the drug while 4.5% do not know the source of their supply. Also 24(58.5%) of the

Variables/ factors Response Frequency Percent (%)

Received formal training on use of misoprostol

Yes 35 23.3

No 115 76.7

Total 150 100

Misoprostol always available in your facility?

Yes 41 27.3

No 109 72.7

Total 150 100

If yes, what is the source of supply

LGA store 23 56.1

state MOH 4 9.8

NGO 1 2.4 open market 11 25

Don’t know source 2 4.5

Total 41 100

Regularity of Supply Yes 24 58.5 No 17 41.5

Total 41 1000

Where do patients in your facility get misoprostol from (if not available in your center)

Outside pharmacy/chemist

101 100

Others 0 0

Total 60 100

Effective for prevention and treatment of PPH.

Yes 53 52.5 No 38 47.5

Total 101 100 Misoprostol too expensive? Yes 49 49

No 52 52

Total 101 100

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respondents stated that the supply is regular. 101(100%) of the respondents stated that their

patient get their drug in pharmacy/chemist outside the facility if not available in the centres.

The table also reveals that 53 (52.5%) of the respondents stated that from their experience

misoprostol effectively prevent and treat PPH. Furthermore,49 (49%) of the respondents

considered misoprostol as expensive when compared to other uterotonics.

Table 7: Relationship between knowledge of misoprostol and the use of

misoprostol for Prevention of PPH

Use of misoprostol for prevention of PPH

Level of Knowledge misoprostol Correct use Incorrect use Total High 24 12 36

Moderate 5 14 19

Low 10 36 65

Total 39 62 101

χ2 =18.572 df=2 p-value < 0.0001

Table 7 shows that there is a significant relationship between knowledge of misoprostol and

the use of misoprostol for the prevention of post-partum haemorrhage

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Table 8: Relationship between the level of knowledge of misoprostol and use of

misoprostol for treatment of PPH

Use of misoprostol for treatment of PPH

Level of Knowledge misoprostol Correct use Incorrect use Total High 15 16 31

Moderate 0 13 13

Low 1 54 68

Total 16 83 99

χ2 = 34.591 df=2 p-value = 0.0001

Tables 8 shows that there is a significant relationship between knowledge of misoprostol and

the use of misoprostol for the prevention/treatment of PPH, More respondents with high level

of knowledge of misoprostol use the drug correctly. .

Table .9: The relationship between professional cadre and knowledge of misoprostol for

prevention and treatment of PPH

Knowledge of misoprostol

Professional Cadre High Moderate Low Total

Nurse 3 5 15 23

Nurse-midwife 11 4 9 24

SCHEW 22 11 34 67

JCHEW 5 4 13 22

CHO 6 3 5 14

Total 47 27 76 150

χ2 =7.613 df=4 p-value = 0.107

Table 9 shows that there is no relationship between professional cadre and knowledge of

misoprostol. The level of knowledge of misoprostol of the respondents is not influenced by

professional cadre of the respondents.

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Table 10: The relationship between years of experience and knowledge of misoprostol

Knowledge of misoprostol

Years of working experience High Moderate Low Total

0-5yrs 6 14 26 46

6-10yrs 15 6 17 38

11-15yrs 17 4 21 42

16-20yrs 5 2 8 15

above 20yrs 4 1 4 9

Total 47 27 76 150

χ2 = 10.701 df=4 p-value = 0.030

Table 10 revealed that respondents that had worked between 6-15 had more knowledge of

misoprostol than other groups. There was a significant relationship between knowledge of

misoprostol and years of working experience.

Summary of Major Findings

-About 31.3% of the respondents had high level of knowledge of misoprostol for the

prevention and treatment of post-partum haemorrhage.

- Only 38.3% and 16.3% of the respondents had used the drug correctly in the prevention

and treatment of PPH respectively

- Only 23.3%, had received training on use of misoprostol for the prevention and treatment of

postpartum haemorrhage

- 27.3% of the respondents stated that the drug is always available in their facility.

- 0nly 52.5% of the respondents stated that misoprostol effectively prevents and treats PPH.

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- Almost half of the respondent (49%) considered misoprostol as expensive when compared

to other uterotonics.

- There was a significant relationship between knowledge of misoprostol for the prevention and

correct use of misoprostol.

-There was no significant relationship between knowledge of misoprostol and professional cadre.

- There was a significant relationship between knowledge of misoprostol and years of experience .

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CHAPTER FIVE

DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS

This chapter presents discussion of the major findings, implications of the findings, , limitations of

the study, suggestions for further studies, summary, conclusion and recommendations of the study .

Discussions of major findings

Level of knowledge of misoprostol for the prevention and treatment of PPH among

primary health care workers

Level of knowledge of misoprostol for the prevention and treatment of post partum

haemorrhage revealed that only (31.3%) had high level of knowledge . This is surprising as

training on the use of the drug among primary health care workers were organized following

the approval of the drug by the Federal Ministry of Health for the prevention and treatment of

post partum haemorrhage. In addition, Department of Obstestrics and Gynaecology, Ahmadu

Bello University Zaria in collaboration with University of California, Bekerley, trained

primary health care providers in Zaria metropolis on the use of this drug in the prevention

and treatment of post partum haemorrhage in 2009 and 2010 (Population & Reproductive

Health Initiative, based at ABUTH, Zaria 2010). This finding is higher than that of

Okonofua ( 2010) where only 10% of the respondents had a high level of knowledge of

misoprostol for the prevention and treatment of post partum haemorrhage. Differences in

methodology including sample size (one hundred and fifty six respondents of this study was

much higher than that of the fourty respondents of Okonofua) and the permeating effect of

ABU-university of California project on community use of misoprostol as mentioned above

may accounts for the differences in the level of knowledge in this study.

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55

Use misoprostol by primary health care workers for the prevention and treatment of

PPH?

About (67.3%) of the respondents had used misoprostol for the prevention of PPH. This is in

contrast to the findings of Wassberg (2004) where only (27%) of the primary health care

workers had ever used the drug for the prevention of PPH .The reason for the high percentage

in this study may also be attributed to the fact that some of the primary health care workers

had received training on the use of misoprostol for the prevention and treatment of PPH.

However, only (54.5%) of the respondents who stated that they have ever used the drug for

the prevention of PPH administered the correct dose. This is in constrast to the findings of

Wassberg (2004) where only 27% of the respondents that had used the drug in the prevention

of PPH administered the correct dose.

Findings showed that 65.3% of the respondents administered the drug through the correct

route; while 55.4% of the respondents administered the drug at the right time (immediately

after childbirth before separation of placenta). This does not support the findings of FMOHE

(2008) where 83.7% of the HCW stated that they administered the drug at the right time

(immediately after childbirth before the separation of the placenta) and through the correct

route.. The study revealed that only (66% )of the respondents had used misoprostol for the

treatment of PPH. This is in contrast to the finding of Okonofua (2010) where none of the

respondents reported that they had used misoprostol for the treatment of PPH. Furthermore,

only (38.6%) of the respondents had used misoprostol correctly for the prevention of PPH

and only (16.5%) of the respondents had also used misoprostol correctly for the treatment of

PPH. These findings have a significant implications as incorrect use of the drug may lead to

complications like uterine rupture when an overdose is administered as well as poor

management of post partum haemorrhage if an under-dose is given or if the drug is not

given at the right time. This will invariably lead to poor maternal outcome and thus

contributing to maternal mortality which is unacceptably high. However, this findings

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56

supports the study of Wassberg (2004) where only 40% and 20% of the respondents had used

the drug correctly for the prevention and treatment of post partum haemorrhage.

Factors influencing use of misoprostol for prevention and treatment of PPH

Only 23.3% of the respondents had received formal training on use of misoprostol in the

prevention and treatment of postpartum haemorrhage. The study revealed that only 27.3% of

the respondents stated that misoprostol was always available in their facility. This may also

influence the use of the drug as the more available the drug is, the more the respondent may

likely use it in the prevention and treatment of postpartum haemorrhage. This is related to the

finding of Wassberg (2004) where only 10% of the respondents stated that the drug was

always available in their facility. The lack of availability of the drug may not be unconnected

to the fact that in Nigeria only one pharmaceutical company (Emzor) is into production of

this drug. More than half of the respondents 52.5% of the respondents admitted that from

their experience, misoprostol effectively prevented and treated PPH. This may be connected

to the fact that only few of the respondents had used the drug correctly for the prevention and

treatment of post partum haemorrhage. This is incongruous to the finding FMOHE (2008)

where 97% of the respondents stated that from their experience, misoprostol effectively

prevented and treated PPH. This implies that if correct use of misoprostol is promoted by

increasing knowledge of PHCW on the use of misoprostol through training and retraining,

it will go a long way in reducing the number of deaths from PPH and thus reducing maternal

mortality in North-West Nigeria.

Relationship between Knowledge and use of Misoprostol in the Prevention and

Treatment of Post-Partum Haemorrhage

Findings from the study revealed that there was a significant association between knowledge

and correct use of misoprostol. Respondents with higher level of knowledge of misoprostol

tend to use the drug correctly. This is in agreement with the observation that

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57

knowledge/training influences clinical practice and thus reaffirming the appropriateness of

our theoretical framework (Pender Model of Health Promotion). This findings supports the

study of Wassberg (2004) where there was a relationship between knowledge of misoprostol

and use of misoprostol for the prevention and treatment of post partum haemorrhage.

Relationship between Knowledge of Misoprostol and Socio-Demographic Variables

From findings, years of experience of the respondents were associated with knowledge of

misoprostol. Majority of respondents with years of experience between 6-15 years had high

level of knowledge of misoprostol. This may not be unconnected to the fact that these groups

of respondents are very enthusiastic and are more likely to explore training opportunities.

Implication for Nursing

Since the level of knowledge of misoprostol for the prevention and treatment of PPH is low

among the respondents and also only few respondents had used the drug correctly, the

implication is that mothers may be exposed to complications of PPH or death. Furthermore,

only few of the respondents had used the drug correctly for prevention or treatment of

Postpartum haemorrhage. The implication of this is that an overdose of the drug may be

given for either prevention or treatment of Post –Partum haemorrhage which may lead to

further complications like ruptured uterus . This may lead to further bleeding, leading to

death of the mother and thus increasing the maternal morbidity and mortality rate which is

already unacceptably high.

Furthermore only few of the respondents had received training on the knowledge and use of

misoprostol in the prevention and treatment of post-partum haemorrhage. The implication of

this is that, lack of training among the majority of the respondents may lead to poor

knowledge of the drug which may invariably lead to incorrect use leading to poor maternal

outcome. More so lack of availability of the drug may lead to non-use of the drug among the

primary health care workers.

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Limitations of the Study

The major constraints of this study were paucity of literature. Secondly some of respondents

felt reluctant to fill the questionnaire even after they had signed the informed consent form as

they thought that the researcher may disclose what is happening in the North to people of the

East and as such it took the researcher many visits to same respondents to retrieve the

completed questionnaire. Also there was difficulty assessing some of the facilities due to

poor transport network.

Suggestions for further studies

Similar studies should be carried out in other primary health care facilities in the State and

other States especially in the North east where maternal mortality is exceptionally high to

ascertain their knowledge and correct use of misoprostol in the prevention and treatment of

Postpartum haemorrhage.

Summary of the study.

The study was conducted to assess the level of knowledge of misoprostol and its c use among

primary health care workers in Zaria metropolis. The objective of the study were to determine

the level of knowledge of misoprostol for prevention and treatment of postpartum

haemorrhage, to examine the use of misoprostol in the prevention and treatment of PPH

among primary health care workers; to determine factors influencing use and non-use of the

misoprostol; to determine the relationship between knowledge and use of misoprostol for the

prevention and treatment and to determine the relationship between knowledge and some

socio-demographic variables.

A descriptive cross-sectional survey was used for the study. . The subjects of the study consisted

of all the one hundred and fifty –six primary health care providers providing delivery care services in

the twenty four facilities of the two local government area. Due to the small population size, the

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59

entire health workers were used for the study, hence no sampling was made. A researcher

constructed questionnaire according to the national guidelines on the use of the misoprostol

for the prevention and treatment was administered to Primary health care workers and 150

questionnaires were retrieved. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics- frequency and

percentages. Pearson chi-square was used to test for relationship between knowledge of

misoprostol for prevention and treatment of PPH and use of misoprostol for the prevention

and treatment of PPH and also the relationship between knowledge of misoprostol for the

prevention and treatment of PPH and some socio-demographic variables. The study showed

that only 31.3% of the respondents had high level of knowledge of misoprostol for the

haemorrhage. Also, the study revealed that only 38.3% of the respondents had used the drug

correctly in the prevention of PPH and 16.3% of the respondents had used misoprostol

correctly for the treatment of PPH. Furthermore, only about a quarter of the respondents,

23.3%, had received training on the use of misoprostol for the prevention and treatment of

postpartum haemorrhage and only 27.3% of the respondents stated that the drug is always

available in their facility. Moreover, more than half of the respondents 52.5% admitted that

from their experience misoprostol effectively prevented and treated post partum haemorhage

However,49% of the respondents stated misoprostol as expensive when compared to other

uterotonics. There was a significant relationship between knowledge of misoprostol for the

prevention and treatment of postpartum haemorrhage and use of misoprostol. There was no

statistical relationship between knowledge of misoprostol and professional cadre but there there was

significant relationship between knowledge of misoprostol and years of experience .

Conclusion

Based on the findings of this study the following conclusions were made.

• Level of knowledge of misoprostol for the prevention and treatment among primary

health care workers in Zaria metropolis was low.

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• Only few of the primary health care workers had used misoprostol correctly in the

prevention and treatment of postpartum haemorrhage.

• Only few of the primary health care workers had been trained on the knowledge and

correct use of misoprostol for the prevention and treatment of PPH.

• Majority of the respondents stated that the drug is not available in their facility.

• More than half of the respondents that had used misoprostol stated that the drug is

effective in the prevention and treatment of PPH..

• Almost half of the respondents considered misoprostol expensive when compared to

other uterotonics

• There was a significant relationship between knowledge of misoprostol and use of

misoprostol for the prevention and treatment of PPH.

• That there was no relationship between knowledge of misoprostol and professional

cadre

• That there was relationship between knowledge of misoprostol and years of

experience.

Recommendations

Based on the finding from the study, the following recommendations are made to improve the

knowledge and use of misoprostol for the prevention and treatment of PPH:

(1) Investment by State Ministry of health, National primary health care development

Agency and Nursing and Midwifery council in training and retraining of primary

health care workers in evidence-based method in the prevention and treatment of

postpartum, in order to promote their knowledge especially in the use of

misoprostol as it will definitely reduce number of deaths from PPH which is the

biggest cause of maternal mortality worldwide.

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(2) Monitoring and supervision by Federal Ministry of Health and Nursing and

midwifery on the correct use of the drug for the prevention and treatment of PPH.

(3) Frequent supply and sustainable commodity management by the state and local

government and also establishment of misoprostol revolving fund in the health

facilities will be a good mechanism to improve the availability of misoprostol and

thereby promoting it’s use among the primary health care workers in the

prevention and treatment of postpartum haemorrhage.

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References

Adewunmi, OA (1986): Maternal mortality in Ibadan West African J. Med 5:121-7. Akiode, A and Akin, A (2008): Off label use of misoprostol among Nigeria obstetricians –

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Centre Umuahia, Nigeria. Tropical Journal of. obstetric gynaecology pg 1-5. Balachandran, V (2005): Maternal mortality in Kaduna Nigeria. Med. Journal 22(4). Pg 360-

70. Carolli G, Guesfa C, Abolus E, and Gulnezoglu AM (2008): Epidemiology of

postpartumhaemorrhage: A systematic review. Best practice and research clinical obstetric and gynaecology 22(5):999-1012.

Centre for Reproductive Rights and women Advocate Research and documentation Centre

(2006). Broken promises: Human rights, accountability and maternal death in Nigeria.

Chelmow, D (2008): Postpartum hameorrhage prevention: Clinical evidence: Available at

http//www.bmj.co/coweb/conditions. Accessed on 25/May/2012. Confidential enquiry into maternal and child health safe mother (CEMACH) (2007):

Reviewing maternal death to make motherhood safer. London. Derman RJ, Kodkary BS and, Goudar SS (2006): Oral misoprostol in preventing postpartum

haemorrhage in resource-poor communities: A randomized controlled trial Lancet; 368:1248-53.

Ejembi, CL., Prata N (2000): Prevention of postpartum haemorrhage at home birth in

fivecommunities around Zaria, Kaduna state, Nigeria. Technical Report. The population and reproductive health partnership and entire strategies innovations.

Federal Ministry of Health (2007). Maternal mortality in Nigeria (FMOH Report). FMOHN (2011). Nigeria National guidelines on use of misoprostol, Federal Ministry of

Health Abuja. Goldberg A.B, Greenberg MB and Daney PD (2001): Misoprostol and pregnancy. N.

England J. Med. 344(1):38-47. International Federation of Gynaecology and obstetrics (FIGO) and international

confederation of midwives (ICM) (2006). Prevention and treatment of postpartum haemorrhage: New advances for low resource setting. International Journal of gynaecology and obstetrics 2007. 7(2):160-3

JHPIEGO (2001): Preventing postpartum haemorrhage. Active management of the fluid

stage of labour: A maternal and neonatal health program Best Practice JHPIEGO New, Washington.

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Kellinger, FM (2004):Foundation of Behavioural Research 6th edition London: Williams

Cloves and sons Limited. Khan, K.S., Wojdyln, D., Say, L and Gumezoglu, AM (2006): WHO Analysis of causes of

maternal death: a systematic review 367(14):1066-74. Kinney MV, Kerber KJ, Black RE, Cohen B, Nkrumar F, Covadia H et al. (2010). Sub-

Saharan African’s mothers, newborn and children: Where and why do they do? Plos Med., 7(6) Available at www.plosmedicine.org/article/info:doi/10.137./journal.Pmed.1000294

Lokugamaje AU, Sullivan KR, Niculescu T, Tigrel P, OnyangungaFL, Rafaey H et al.

(2001): Randomized study company rectally administered misoprostol versus syntometrine combined with an oxytocin infuses for the cessation of primary postpartum haemorrhage Acta obstestric. Gynaecology Scand 80(9):835-9.

Nwosu J, OdubanjoMO, Osinusi BO (2004): Reducing maternal and infant mortality in

Nigeria. The Nigerian Academy of Science, Lagos. West African Book Publishers. Okonofua FE (2010) Knowledge and correct use of misoprostol among primary health

workers in EdoState. Retrieved from http://where-online.org/sites/default/files/reports/Edo-Misofinal.report.2010

Okonofua, FE (2010): An intervention to improve the management of third stage of labour,

knowledge and correct use of misoprostol among primary health workers in OndoState. Retrieved from http//whereonline.org/sites/default/files/reports/ondo/misofinalreport/2010

Oladapo OI, Fawole B, Blun J, Abalos E (2001). Advance misoprostol distribution for

preventing and treating postpartum haemorrhage (protocol). Cochrane database of systematic Review, Issue 9, Art. No. C0009336 Doi:10.1002/14651858 CD009336

Ozumba, BW (2008): Improving Maternal health Nigeria Experience Tropical journal of

gynaecology and obstetric 6 (4) 76-82. PrataN (2005): Controlling postpartum haemorrhage after home-birth in Tanzania.

International Journal of gynaecology and obstetrics. 90:51-5. Prata N, Mbaruku G, Campbell M, Potts and, M, Vahidna, (2005). Controlling postpartum

haemorrhage of the homebirth in Tanzania. International Journal of Gynaecology and obstetrics, 9:51-5.

Prata N, Sreenivas A, Vahidna FM Potts M (2009). Saving maternal lives in resource-poor

settings: Facing reality. Health Policy 89:131-48. Pelliteri A (2010); Maternal and child health nursing care of the childbearing and childrearing

family; 6th edition. New York, London: Walkins Lippincott.

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Suther (2010): Community-based distribution of misoprostol for prevention or treatment of postpartum haemorrhage: Cost effectiveness, mortality and morbidity reduction analysis. Int. Journal of gynaecology and obstetrics,7 (2) 289-294.

Tsu, VD, Lager, Aand Aldrich (2004): Postpartum haemorrhage in developing countries. Is

the public health community using the right tools? International Journal of Gynaecology and obstetrics: 85 (8)542-550.

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Ujah AO, Aisen OA, Mutihir TT, Vanderjap DJ, Glew RTE and Uguru VE (2005): Factors

contributing to maternal mortality in North-Central Nigeria. African J. Reprod. Health (5):27-40.

Udofia I,and Okonofua FE (2008): Preventing primary postpartum haemorrhage in unskilled

birth in Africa. Afr. J. Reprod. Health 12 : 23-28. Wassberg S (2004): Use and availability of misoprostol in different hospital setting in

Uganda: A field Report. Department of Public health services, Karoliska Institute, Sweden.

WHO, (2009): WHO statement regarding the use of misoprostol for postpartum haemorrhage

prevention and treatment. Geneva: retrieved from www.k4health.org. WHO, (2011): Clarifying WHO Position on misoprostol use in the community to reduce

maternal death. Geneva. WHO, UNICEF, UNFPA and World Bank (2012): Trends in maternal mortality: 1990 to

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2008: Geneva, retrieved from http:///www.who.int/reproductivehealth/publication/monitoring/9789241500265/index.html

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APPENDICES

APPENDIX I (QUESTIONNAIRE)

DEPARTMENT OF NURSING SCIENCES

FACULTY OF HEALTH SCIENCES

UNIVERSITY OF NIGERIA

ENUGU CAMPUS

ENUGUSTATE

Dear Respondent

The researcher is a Post graduate student of the above department and is carrying out a

research which is mainly for academic purpose. The questionnaire is designed to determine

the “Knowledge and use of Misoprostol in the prevention and treatment of postpartum

haemorrhage among primary health care workers in Zaria metropolis.

Your honest response will be highly appreciated and no more is needed as information

obtained from you will be strictly confidential.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Yours faithfully,

Musa Halima, A.

SECTION A: SOCIO-DEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS

1. Age: ___________

2. Sex; (i) Male [ ] (ii) Female [ ]

3. Professional cadre; (i) Nurse [ ] (ii) Nurse/Midwife [ ] (iii) SCHEW [ ]

(iv) JCHEW [ ] (v) CHO [ ]

4. Years of working experience: ______________

KNOWLEDGE OF MISOPROSTOL IN THE PREVENTION AND TREATMENT OF

POSTPARTUM HAEMORRHAGE.

(5) Misoprostol is a synthetic prostaglandin analogue YES [ ] NO [ ]

(6) Misoprostol comes in both tablet and injectable form YES [ ] NO [ ]

(7) Misoprostol comes only in a tablet form YES [ ] NO [ ]

(8) Misoprostol is administered orally only YES [ ] NO [ ]

(9) Misoprostol can be administered sublingually YES [ ] NO [ ]

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(10) Misoprostol can be administered rectally YES [ ] NO [ ]

(11).What is the recommended dose of Misoprostol for the prevention of PPH? (i)400mcq (2

tablets) [ ] (ii) 600mcq (3 tablets) [ ] (iii) 800mcq (4 tablets) [ ]

(iv) 1000mcq (5 tablets) [ ].

(12) When is the drug administered for the prevention of PPH?

(i) Immediately after delivery of the baby [ ] (ii) Immediately after delivery of the placenta [ ] (iii) Before delivery of the baby [ ] (iv) Anytime at your discretion [ ]

(13).What is the recommended route of administration of misoprostol for the prevention of

PPH (i) Orally/Sublingually [ ] (ii) Vaginally [ ] (iv) Rectally [ ]

(14). In the treatment of PPH, what is the recommended dose? (i) 400mcq [ ]

(ii) 600mcq [ ] (iii) 800mcq [ ] (iv) 1000mcq.

(15).What is the recommended route of administration of misoprostol for the treatment of

PPH

(16).The mechanism of action of misoprostol includes:(Tick the correct option.)

(a)Initiates and sustains the contraction of the smooth muscle fibres of the myometrium [ ]

(b)Stimulates the posterior pituitary gland leading to the release of oxytocin [ ]

(c) Closes the cervix thereby reducing the bleeding [ ]

(17). Which of the following are the common side effects of misoprostol in the prevention

and treatment of PPH? (You may tick more than one)

(i)High temperature [ ] (ii)Hypothermia [ ] (iii)hypotension [ ] (iv)Rigors and chills [ ]

USE OF MISOPROSTOL FOR PREVENTION AND TREATMENT OF

POSTPARTUM HAEMORRHAGE

(18) Have you used misoprostol for the prevention of PPH? (i) Yes [ ] (ii) No [ ]

IF‘NO’ Move to question 22

(19). If yes, how many tablets did you administer for prevention of PPH?

(i) 200mcq x 2 tabs [ ] (ii) 200mcq x 4 tablets [ ] (iii) 200mcq x 3 tabs [ ]

(iv) 200mcq x 5 tablets [ ]

(20) What was the route of administration? (i) Orally/Sublingually [ ] (ii) Vaginally [ ]

(iv) Rectally [ ]

(21) When do you administer the drug? Tick the correct option (i) Immediately after delivery of the baby [ ]

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(ii) Immediately after delivery of the placenta [ ] (iii) Before delivery of the baby [ ] (iv) Anytime at your discretion [ ]

22. Have you used misoprostol in the treatment of PPH? (i) Yes [ ] (ii) No [ ]

If NO, move to question to question 27

23. If yes, what dosage did you administer for the treatment of PPH?

(i) 40mcq (2 tablets) [ ] (ii) 600mcq (3 tablets) [ ] (iii) 800mcq (4 tablets) [ ]

(iv) 1000mcq (5 tablets) [ ]

24. What is your frequently used route of administration of misoprostol for the treatment of

PPH? (i) Rectally [ ] (ii) Orally [ ] (iii) Vaginally [ ] (iv) Sublingually [ ]

25. Have you experienced/witnessed any side effect following the use of misoprostol?

Yes [ ] No [ ]

26. If Yes what were the side effects experienced? (List)

…………………………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………………………………….………

FACTORS INFLUENCING USE OF MISOPROSTOL

27 Have you ever received any formal training on the knowledge and use of misoprostol?

(i) Yes [ ] (ii) No [ ]

28 .Is misoprostol always available in your facility? (i)Yes (ii)No

29. If yes what is the source of suppy? (i) LGA [ ](ii) State MOH [ ] (iii) NGO

(iv) Open market [ ] (v) Other (specify)…….

30 Is the suppy regular? (i)Yes (ii)No

31.Where do patients in your health care unit get misoprostol from?

(i) Your clinic [ ] (ii) Pharmacy/Chemist Shop [ ] (iii) Others (specify) ---

32. From your experience, does misoprostol effectively prevent and treat postpartum

haemorrhage? (i) Yes [ ] (ii) No [ ]

33. Compared to other uterotonics, do you consider misoprostol expensive Yes [ ] No [ ]

Thank You

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APPENDIX II

Distribution of health care workers in primary health care facilities in Sabon-Gari Local Government Area Zaria SNO HEALTH

FACILITY NURSE MIDWIFE

MIDWIFE ONLY

NURSE ONLY

COMMUNITY HEALTH EXTENSION WORKER (CHEW)

1 PHC BASAWA 1 0 0 2

2 PHC SAKADADI 1 0 2 3

3 PHC H ANWA 2 0 0 3

4 PHC MUCHIYA 2 0 0 12

5 PHC KWATA 3 1 0 9

6 PHCABDU KWARI 1 1 0 8

7 PHC CHIKAJI 1 0 0 4

8 PHC JAMAA 1 2 0 5

9 PHC SAMARU 1 0 0 7

TOTAL 13 4 2 53

Source: Sabon-Gari Health Department, 2011

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Total population of primary health care workers in Zaria Local Government

SNO HEALTH FACILITY NURSE MIDWIFE

MIDWIFE ONLY

NURSE ONLY

COMMUNITY HEALTH EXTENSION WORKER (CHEW)

1 PHC WUCICIRI 0 0 2 4

2 PHC DAMBO 0 0 2 3

3 PHC DAKACE 0 0 0 3

4 PHC GYELLESU 0 0 0 5

5 PHC TUKUR-TUKUR

2 0 0 5

6 PHC ANGUWAN DANKALI

0 0 2 2

7 PHC JAKARA 0 0 0 5

8 PHC RIMIN DOKO 0 0 0 6

9 PHC DAN DUTSE 0 0 0 2

10 PHC DUTSEN ABBA

0 0 0 4

11 PHC PANMADINA 0 0 0 0

12 PHC SALAMANDUNA

1 0 0 2

13 PHC KWARBAI 1 0 0 5

14 PHC TUDUN WADA

0 0 0 13

15 PHC BABAN DODO

1 0 0 14

TOTAL 5 0 6 73

Source: Zaria health department, 2011

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SPSS-16 RESULTS: Test –retest Reliability Estimate for knowledge and use of misoprostol

in the prevention and treatment of Post-partum haemorrhage questionnaires.

A test- retest reliability estimate was carried out to ensure the reliability of the instrument.

The questionnaire has a re-test reliability estimate (two weeks interval) of r=0.981 showing

that the questionnaire is reliable and can be used for the study.

Test-retest reliability estimate

Retest

Test_1 Pearson Correlation 0.981

Sig. (2-tailed) 0.000

N 40