Quality, availability and storage conditions of oxytocin and misoprostol in Malawi.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) is the leading cause of maternal mortality in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Oxytocin and misoprostol are used for the prevention and treatment of PPH. However, both medicines are chemically unstable and sensitive to environmental conditions. Previous studies reported a high prevalence of substandard oxytocin and misoprostol preparations in LMICs.

Methods

In randomly selected health facilities of four districts of Malawi, the availability of oxytocin and misoprostol was determined, and the knowledge of health workers on storage requirements and use of oxytocics was assessed. Temperature loggers were used to record the storage temperature of oxytocics. Samples of oxytocin injections and misoprostol tablets were collected from

SUBMITTER: Hagen N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7104524 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature