Perception of Pregnant Women Regarding Self Care Measures during Postpartum Period

Abstract

: Postnatal care is one of the most important maternal health care for prevention of maternal impairment and disabilities. So, there is an urgent need to increase women's knowledge regarding self-care measures during postpartum period. Aim: The present study aimed to assess the perception of pregnant women regarding self-care measures during postpartum period. Subjects and method: - Design: A descriptive study design was used. Setting: The study was conducted at the antepartum unit in obstetric and gynecological department at Tanta University Hospital. Subjects : A purposive sample of 250 pregnant women was included in the study . Tools : three tools were used for collection of data. Tool (I): Structured interview schedule: It included : Part (a): Socio-demographic characteristics and part (b): Obstetric history. Tool (II): Women’s knowledge regarding self-care measures during postpartum period. Tool (III): Women's attitude regarding self-care measures during postpartum period. Results: Slightly more than one half of women (51.6%) had poor level of knowledge, slightly less than one third of women (32.4%) had fair level of knowledge, and (16%) had good level of knowledge regarding self-care measures during postpartum period. Additionally, the majority of women (93.2%) had positive attitudes regarding self-care measures during postpartum period. Conclusion: There was poor knowledge, while there was positive attitudes regarding self-care measures during postpartum period among pregnant women. Recommendations: Planning and developing antenatal classes for all pregnant women especially during the last trimester to improve their perception, and increase their awareness and enhance their practice regarding routine self-care during postnatal period