Abstract: Background: Non-Pneumatic Anti-Shock Garment is an effective and scientifically proven first-aid, fit-for-purpose, adult-height adaptable and low technology device used in the management of obstetric haemorrhage. Despite the introduction of this obstetric tool in Nigeria about two decades ago, its utilization remains limited due to non-availability, non-replacement of worn out garments, poor return and exchange pathway, lack of training and retraining of health workers, and poorly motivated medical staff. Therefore, there is a need to critically review the literature, locally and globally, on the utilization and challenges of Non-Pneumatic Anti-Shock garment, and then proffer strategies to scale up its nationwide availability and uptake in Nigeria as part of preventive measures to reduce maternal morbidity and mortality.
Objective: To critically review the utilization of Non-Pneumatic Anti-Shock garment in Nigeria, focusing on the challenges, strategies and prospects to improve its availability and uptake.
Methods: A search of the literature was conducted in the following electronic databases: PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar between 2004 and 2024. Keywords and phrases such as Non-Pneumatic Anti-Shock Garment, utilization, obstetric haemorrhage, challenges, maternal morbidity and mortality, and Nigeria were entered as search queries. Articles published in English language in the last 20 years and in line with the study objectives were focused on.
Conclusion: Access to Non-Pneumatic Anti-Shock Garment and its utilization are still considered low in Nigeria. Emergency obstetric care services, aiming at reducing maternal morbidity cannot be robust without adequate availability and utilization of Non-Pneumatic Anti-Shock Garments.