Factors limiting women’s adherence to venous thromboembolism prophylaxis after cesarean section in the Gaza Strip: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Objectives We evaluate the rates and limitations of women’s adherence to low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) after cesarean section (CS) in the Gaza Strip. Methods Women who underwent CS were recruited consecutively. Communication offered to women, adherence to Venous thromboembolism (VTE), and its limiting factors were surveyed. Results 281 women participated (mean age 27.9 years). 51.95% fully adhered to VTE prophylaxis. Causes of suboptimal adherence were: 51.1% did not feel VTE prophylaxis was important, 37.8% due to high drug cost, and 11.1% didn’t receive a prescription for LMWH at discharge. Poor communication was evident as 48.8% of the sample did not receive any instructions about the technical method of LMWH injection, 45.6% did not receive any information about the clinical significance of heparin, and 74.7% were unaware of LMWH side effects. Conclusion There is inadequate adherence to VTE prophylaxis after CS among Gaza women, mostly due to a lack of appropriate communication but also due to drug costs.