Barriers to Blood Transfusions During Post-Partum Hemorrhage in Northern Ethiopia: Preliminary Data [04M]

INTRODUCTION: Post-partum hemorrhage (PPH) remains the leading cause of maternal mortality in Ethiopia; the country experiences 412 maternal deaths per 100,000 births, exceeding the global average. Delays in-transit time and inefficient blood transfusions are linked to maternal death. This study aims to evaluate the effects of centralized Ethiopian blood banks on timely blood transfusion and the impact of comprehensive patient education on transfusion refusal. METHODS: As part of a mixed-method study, blood transfusion log books at Ayder Comprehensive Specialized Hospital were analyzed to assess the common reasons for transfusions at tertiary care centers. Focus groups of residents from the Tigray region were conducted to explore the social acceptance of blood transfusions. RESULTS: Focus group data illuminates that women are receptive to receiving blood transfusions, especially in the context of delivery. Hospital transfusion log books show a transfusion rate of 3% for PPH; comprising of 1.95% of total transfusions recorded during our 3-month preliminary data collection period. CONCLUSION: Despite research indicating the average rate of blood transfusions during PPH is 1.4%; Ayder Comprehensive Specialized Hospital has a transfusion rate of 3.0%. Women should be fully counseled on blood transfusions risks and benefits; our data indicates that comprehensive education does not influence women’s transfusion decisions. High transfusion rates may indicate that women are suffering from complications and are being transferred instead of stabilized at general hospitals. Research should focus on exploring the effectiveness of blood distribution and storage in the general hospitals after screening, eliminating the need to transfer women during obstetric emergencies.