Prevention of postpartum hemorrhage study West Java Indonesia.

Abstract

The purpose of the prevention of postpartum hemorrhage PPH) study conducted in West Java Indonesia was to demonstrate the safety acceptability feasibility and program effectiveness (SAFE) of community-based distribution and use of oral misoprostol to reduce PPH in areas where a large proportion of births are not attended by skilled providers. The study was funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and was a collaborative partnership between the Indonesian Department of Health and the Indonesia Association of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. The study was implemented by the World Health Organization Collaborating Center in Bandung and JHPIEGOYs Maternal and Neonatal Health (MNH) Program in Indonesia. Of the 3111 women originally identified as eligible for the study 1855 women (1360 from Bandung district intervention area and 495 from Subang district comparison area) remained eligible at the time of study enrollment and agreed to participate. Misoprostol (tablet PAS b& [tablet that stops bleeding immediately]) was prepared in sealed packets with safety information and distributed with the intervention area by midwives and trained community volunteers. Women in both study areas were counseled on the prevention of PPH and offered free medical care for treatment of any birth complication occurring during the study period. Postpartum interviews were completed for 1811 participants. Additional information was obtained using in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with 20 study participants and 70 community members including midwives traditional birth attendants and community volunteers. (excerpt)