Publication:

Assessment of knowledge, attitude and practice towards management of postpartum hemorrhage among third year nursing students at University of Namibia, main campus

Background Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is commonly defined as blood loss of 500ml or more within 24 hours after birth. PPH is the leading cause of maternal mortality in the low-income countries and the primary cause of nearly one quarter of all maternal death globally. Namibia recorded the highest direct cause of maternal deaths for the period of April 2010 to March 2012 which was linked to bleeding after delivery. The purpose of the study was to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice towards management of PPH among third year nursing students at University of Namibia and to assess the maternal nursing care students rendered to woman with PPH.

Methods The researcher used descriptive research design and quantitative approach to collect the data. The researcher obtained primary data directly from 49 third-year nursing students of the University of Namibia (UNAM). Students filled in the Google form/online survey provided to them and all the responses were recorded on the researcher’s Google account.

Results From the study, 83.7% of the participants were females, while 14.3% were males and 2% prefer not to respond.  The results indicate that majority of the participants are competent and have sufficient knowledge and positive attitude toward management of PPH.

Conclusions It is critical that student nurses at UNAM, Main campus are trained well with the necessary PPH knowledge to save maternal lives.