Use Of Misoprostol in the Prevention and Treatment of Post Partum Haemorrhage Among Primary Health Care Workers in Zaria Metropolis, Kaduna State, Nigeria

Abstract

Postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) is the most common cause of obstetric haemorrhage and the leading cause of maternal mortality in Nigeria. Injectable uterotonics such as oxytocin, ergometrine, and syntometrine are the conventional first-line drugs for the prevention and treatment of PPH. Misoprostol, an oral uterotonic approved by the Federal Ministry of Health in Nigeria, offers a practical alternative, especially in low-resource settings. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and use of misoprostol for the prevention and treatment of PPH among primary health care workers in Zaria Metropolis. A descriptive survey design was employed, involving 156 primary health care workers. Data were collected using a validated questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests. Results showed that only 31.3% of respondents had a high level of knowledge of misoprostol for PPH prevention and treatment. Slightly above one-third (38.3%) reported correct use of misoprostol for PPH prevention, while only 16.3% had used it correctly for treatment. Less than a quarter (23.3%) had received formal training on misoprostol use, and only 27.3% indicated that the drug was consistently available in their health facilities. A significant relationship was found between knowledge and correct use of misoprostol for both prevention and treatment of PPH (p < 0.0001). However, professional cadre did not significantly influence knowledge levels (p = 0.107). The study concludes that improved knowledge is associated with appropriate use of misoprostol and recommends increased training, supervision, and consistent drug availability to enhance PPH prevention and management.