Prevalence, Causes and Complications of Postpartum Haemorrhage in Mbujimayi, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC): a cross-sectional study

Abstract Background According to the World Health Organization (WHO), postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) is the cause of approximately 25% of all deaths of pregnant women worldwide, especially in low-income countries, ranging from 8% in developed areas to 32% in Northern Africa. PPH is defined as blood loss from the genital tract of 500 mL or more in the first 24 hours after the delivery of the baby. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence, causes and complications related to PPH in order to improve its management and reduce the rate of maternal deaths in Mbujimayi. Methods It was retrospective cross-sectional study curried out over a period of 5 years, from July 1, 2018 to July 1, 2023 at obstetrics and gynaecology departments of Bonzola Hospital, Christ-Roi Hospital, and Polyclinique SUMEDCO, all located in Mbujimayi, province of Kasai Oriental, in DRC. Results During the study period, the prevalence of PPH was 2.77%. Patients aged between 20-29 years old were the most represented with 44.0%. The mean age of the patients was 26.97 years, the median was 26, the mode 25, min 16 years, max 45 years, SD 7.4 and 95%CI of the true mean was lying between 27.44 and 26.5. Multigravida and multipara were the most represented with respectively 48.7%. The patients with history of previous PPH was less represented with 6.2%. The primary PPH was the most represented with 91.3%. Uterine atony was finding to be the first cause of PPH with 41.3%. Anaemia was the most represented complication with 61.8%. Conclusion Postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) remains one of the leading causes of severe maternal morbidity, and the leading cause of direct maternal deaths. Healthcare providers must have the knowledge, skills, and resources to detect and manage PPH for each birth. Anyway, we recommend to Bonzola Hospital, Christ-Roi Hospital, Polyclinique SUMEDCO, and Authorities to facilitate the diagnosis tools of PPH in Mbujimayi.