Abstract

Postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) is the world’s leading cause of maternal death and
accounts for an estimated 127,000 deaths each year. Identification of some of the risk
factors such as; previous postpartum haemorrhage, multiple pregnancies, macrosomia,
induction of labour, operative vaginal deliveries and cesarean section would help in
preventing PPH. The aim of this research was to assess the factors contributing to
postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) among pregnant women who attend delivery services in
Kampala International University Teaching Hospital (KIU-TH). This study used a crosssectional
descriptive design where by a cross-section of respondents involving 68
respondents were sampled to represent the target population, in these case women who
received maternity service from KIU-TH. Only quantitative methods of data collection
using questionnaires with closed ended questions were employed for both mothers and
health workers. During the study period, 58 women who delivered in the unit and 20
women developed postpartum haemorrhage giving the frequency of postpartum
haemorrhage 34.6%. The majority of the women 30% were between 30-34 years of age.
Among the women who developed PPH retained placental tissues was the most common
cause 50% followed by uterine atony which was 30%. The rest of the causes of PPH were
laceration 20%. Postpartum haemorrhage is still a leading but preventable cause of
maternal morbidity and mortality in our country due to underutilization of health
facilities, the major cause is retained placental tissues followed by uterine atony.