Information and opinions of midwives about venous thromboembolism developing in the perinatal period

Objective: This study was conducted to determine the knowledge and opinions of midwives about venous thromboembolism developing in the perinatal period. Materials and Methods: The research was carried out analytically and cross-sectionally, between December 2019 and December 2020, in Denizli State Hospital Gynecology, Obstetrics and Maternity Services, and Family Health Centers affiliated to Denizli Merkezefendi and Pamukkale District Health Directorates. The population of the study consisted of midwives (N=510) working in these institutions, and the sample consisted of 230 midwives. Research data were collected with a "Personal Information Form". Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) 22 package program was used in the statistical analysis of the data. Descriptive statistics Likelihood ratio and Pearson Chi-square test were used in the analysis of the data. Results: The average age of the midwives participating in the study was 38.77±7.55 years, and the average working year was 16.81±8.9. It was determined that 64.8% of the midwives were undergraduate/master's graduates, 78.8% worked in family health centers and 14.3% worked in delivery rooms. It was determined that 17.4% of midwives encountered venous thromboembolism cases, and 86.5% did not receive any training on venous thromboembolism. The average knowledge score of midwives on venous thromboembolism was 3.57±1.92, and the knowledge level of 43% was found to be 'moderate'. The views of midwives on venous thromboembolism in the perinatal period; It was determined that training and informing pregnant and postpartum women on the subject (43.4%), taking anamnesis and physical examination for risk determination (29.5%), regular and careful follow-up during pregnancy and postpartum period (18.6%) . It was determined that the sociodemographic and professional characteristics of midwives did not affect their knowledge levels (p>0.05). Conclusion: In this study, it was found that midwives had low level of knowledge about venous thromboembolism, and they expressed their opinion that to protect pregnant and postpartum women against venous thromboembolism, and to provide education and information to pregnant and puerperal women, to take anamnesis and physical examination, and to follow up regularly and carefully in order to diagnose venous thromboembolism early. Key words: Midwife, Midwifery care, Venous thromboembolism, High risk pregnant.