Magnitude and Associated Predictors of Blood Loss and Perineal Integrity among Women Giving Birth at Serengeti District Hospital: A Cross-Sectional Documentary Review Study

Abstract

Background: Obstetric blood loss and impaired perineal integrity are well-known maternal birth outcomes that contribute substantially to maternal morbidity and mortality post-delivery. This study aimed to assess the magnitude and associated predictors of blood loss and perineal integrity among women giving birth at Serengeti district hospital. Methods: A cross-sectional study design using hospital records of deliveries from Jan –Dec 2021. Systematic sampling was employed for recruitment. A partograph and delivery register were used as tools for obtaining relevant data for this study. SPSS v20 was used for data analysis. A p-value was considered significant at 95% CI and the strength of association was measured using an odds ratio. Results: Five percent (95% CI: 3.1-7.6%) of participants developed severe obstetric blood loss post-delivery. The overall mean (SD) of blood loss was 234.70±173.901. About 21.0% (95% CI: 17.1–25.3) developed impaired perineal integrity. The multivariate model showed those who had SVD (AOR 0.105, P=0.004) were less associated with severe obstetric blood loss. Moreover, gravida 2 to 4 (AOR 4.134, P=0.050), and abnormal labor (AOR 3.670, P=0.022) were positively associated with impaired perineal integrity compared to their reference category. Urban residency (AOR 0.527, P=0.034) was a protective factor of impaired perineal integrity. Conclusion: Magnitude and predictors for both obstetric blood loss post-delivery and perineal integrity were identified. Mentoring healthcare providers working in the maternity ward is needed to promote timely identification of risk factors and improve perineal care and maintain good practices during delivery.