Community Triage and Resources for Maternal Hemorrhage in the Marin District of Port-au-Prince, Haiti [10M

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Maternal hemorrhage is a leading cause of maternal mortality in Haiti despite being an entirely preventable cause of death. Few studies have been performed evaluating postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) in Haiti. The goal of this project is to evaluate the current situation surrounding PPH in the Marin district of Port-au-Prince and identify possible areas of intervention. METHODS: Health facilities in the Marin area were identified in collaboration with physicians from the Foyer St. Camille Hospital. These participants received a survey covering four aspects of PPH care: prevention, treatment, referral, and prenatal care. Survey items were primarily based on the 2012 WHO Recommendations for Treatment and Prevention of Postpartum Haemorrhage. RESULTS: Historically, delays in treatment have been the primary contributors to maternal death from hemorrhage, most commonly delays in 1) seeking treatment after home birth, 2) knowing where to seek emergency obstetric care, and 3) receiving care upon arriving at a facility. The data collected from this survey is expected to elucidate causes primarily for the third delay through comparisons to the WHO guidelines, between facilities, and between rural and urban centers. The results of this study will be available by the time of presentation. CONCLUSION: This knowledge has potential to open the door to specific actions that can be taken in the Port-au-Prince community for reducing maternal deaths due to hemorrhage. If successful, these actions can then be extrapolated and adapted to fit other communities in Haiti and possibly in other countries with high rates of PPH.