Knowledge of pregnancy danger signs and associated factors among pregnant women attending antenatal care services In Basra city

Abstract

Background: Pregnancy is a natural condition that can predispose to several physiological and psychological changes in the anticipated mothers. However normal pregnancy may face the risk of sudden, unexpected complications that may end up in death or harm to the mother or her unborn child. Objectives : To assess the knowledge of pregnancy danger signs among pregnant women attending antenatal care services in Basrah city and factors affecting such knowledge. Method: The present study is a cross-sectional study carried out in four primary health care centres in Basrah city. The study involves 385 pregnant women aged 15 years and older attending the selected primary health care centres during the study period. A special questionnaire form was designed for the purpose of the study. Results : Majority of the women had heard about pregnancy danger signs (53.2%), approximately half of them had obtained this information from a health-care provider with a considerable percentage of women who thought that it is important to know such information (86%). The knowledge level was poor in (45%) of women with a nearly similar percentage (44%) who exhibited good knowledge toward these signs. The most commonly recognized danger sign was vaginal bleeding followed by severe abdominal pain and reduced or absent fetal movement. Severe headache, weakness, swollen hands, face and feet and high-grade fever were mentioned by (32.7%, 31.9%, 17.9% and 7.5%) of women, respectively. Conclusion: knowledge level was poor in (45%) of women. However, a nearly similar percentage (44%) had a good knowledge about these signs. Most commonly recognized danger sign was vaginal bleeding followed by severe abdominal pain and reduced or absent fetal movement.