Knowledge and Practices of Pregnant Women Regarding Danger Signs of Obstetric Complications (original) (raw)

2017, IOSR Journal of Nursing and Health Science

Knowledge of the danger signs of obstetric complications is an essential step in recognition of complications and enables women to take appropriate action to access emergency care. Aim: The present study aimed to assess knowledge and practices of pregnant women regarding danger signs of obstetric complications. Subjects and Method: An exploratory descriptive study was conducted at 4 antenatal clinics (M.C.H centers) affiliated to the different available geographical health zones in Tanta City including: Tanta rabae at Kohafa, Medical center at Said, Tanta Khames at El agizy, and Medical center at Sager. A total sample of 200 pregnant women selected randomly from the previously mentioned settings fulfilling the inclusive criteria was included in the study (50 from each). A structured interview schedule sheet was used to collect the necessary data. It comprised the following parts: Part I: socio-demographic data such as age, level of education and occupation. Part II: obstetric characteristics such as gravidity, parity, abortion, antenatal follow-up and presence of any complications in previous pregnancies, deliveries and puerperium. Part III: questions related to knowledge about danger signs of obstetric complications Part IV: women's practices toward danger signs of obstetric complications. The results of this study revealed that the most frequently recognized danger signs that may occur during pregnancy were vaginal bleeding, followed by severe abdominal pain and gush of water from the vagina that were mentioned by more than two third , more than half and nearly half of the women, respectively. While, vaginal bleeding was the most commonly known danger sign mentioned by nearly one third and slightly more than one third of the women during labor and puerperium, respectively. Also, the vast majority of the women consulted a doctor when these danger signs appeared. Conclusion: Poor level of knowledge was reported regarding danger signs of obstetric complications among pregnant women. According to the actual practices taken by women to overcome their danger signs during current pregnancy, consult doctor was the actual mentioned practice and it was also the anticipated practice during labor/delivery and postpartum period. A significant correlation was found between women's level of education, occupation, previous experience with obstetric complications, time of the initial antenatal visit and their knowledge about obstetric danger signs. Recommendations: the study recommended developing antenatal classes for all pregnant women about obstetric danger signs and about the proper time to seek medical care. In addition, the mass media should be utilized and community organizations mobilized to disseminate correct and relevant information about danger signs of obstetric complications to women, families and communities.