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.