Medicine and Medical Sciences

Vaginal bleeding during pregnancy is a critical obstetric complication that demands prompt and effective management to ensure maternal and fetal health. This study evaluates the knowledge, attitudes, practices, and management strategies of healthcare professionals addressing vaginal bleeding during pregnancy in a teaching hospital in Southeast Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at a teaching hospital in Southeast Nigeria, involving 125 healthcare professionals (obstetricians, resident doctors, midwives, and nurses). Stratified random sampling ensured representation across cadres. A structured, validated questionnaire collected data on knowledge, attitudes, practices, and challenges. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Participants demonstrated high awareness of vaginal bleeding causes (e.g., placenta previa: 19.22%, miscarriage: 26.33%). Most (84.80%) were aware of FIGO guidelines. Confidence in managing cases was high (61.60% very confident), with 100% conducting follow-ups for treated patients. Challenges included delays in patient presentation (45.53%) and financial constraints (26.42%). Recommendations for improving care included better diagnostic tools (20.74%) and financial assistance (36.70%). Healthcare professionals showed commendable knowledge and adherence to guidelines but faced systemic challenges. Enhanced training, resource allocation, and updated clinical protocols could improve outcomes. Findings align with previous studies highlighting similar knowledge gaps and systemic challenges in resource-limited settings.

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