PREVALENCE OF ANTEPARTUM HAEMORRHAGE AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN ATTENDING HAJIYA GAMBO SAWABA GENERAL HOSPITAL, ZARIA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, KADUNA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Antepartum haemorrhage (APH) remains a major cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality, particularly in low-resource settings. This study assessed the prevalence, maternal risk factors, and maternal and fetal outcomes associated with APH among pregnant women attending Hajiya Gambo Sawaba General Hospital, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria. A hospital-based cross-sectional mixed-methods design was employed among 150 consenting pregnant women selected through multistage sampling from a population of 213 eligible women. Quantitative data were collected using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire, while qualitative data were obtained through Key Informant Interviews (KIIs). The instruments were validated through expert review and pilot testing, yielding a Cronbach's alpha coefficient of 0.91. Quantitative data were analysed using IBM SPSS version 25.0 with descriptive statistics, Pearson's Chi-square, Fisher's Exact Test, and binary logistic regression at p < 0.05, while qualitative data were analysed thematically using ATLAS.ti version 24. The respondents had a mean age of 27.8 ± 6.1 years, with most aged 25–29 years (30.7%), having secondary education (40.7%), and being multiparous (38.7%). The prevalence of APH was 12.0%. Previous Caesarean section (χ² = 12.84, p = 0.001), hypertension in pregnancy (χ² = 10.67, p = 0.001), advanced maternal age ≥35 years (χ² = 9.54, p = 0.002), multiparity (χ² = 6.21, p = 0.013), and previous history of APH (χ² = 8.73, p = 0.003) were significantly associated with APH. APH was also significantly associated with adverse maternal and fetal outcomes, including severe anaemia (OR = 8.00), preterm birth (OR = 7.80), and stillbirth (OR = 13.65). Key informants highlighted delayed health-seeking behaviour despite repeated health education. Strengthening antenatal risk screening, early diagnosis, and timely emergency obstetric care is recommended to reduce APH-related maternal and neonatal complications.