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KNOWLEDGE AND PERCEPTION OF OBSTETRIC DANGER SIGNS AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN
Abstract
This quantitative survey research aimed to explore the knowledge and perception of obstetric danger signs among pregnant women. A structured questionnaire was designed to collect data from a sample of 120 respondents, utilizing a convenience sampling method. The study adopted a t-test as a statistical tool to test four hypotheses formulated in line with specific objectives. Data were presented and analyzed using SPSS27, providing a comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing pregnant women’s awareness and perceptions of obstetric danger signs. The findings revealed a high level of awareness among pregnant women regarding common obstetric danger signs during pregnancy, with 67.3% strongly agreeing or agreeing. Additionally, 73.1% of the participants believed that obstetric danger signs could lead to serious complications, emphasizing the perceived severity of these signs. Lack of access to information was identified as a barrier by 68.3% of the respondents, indicating the need for targeted interventions to address this issue. The study also highlighted a significant demand for improved accessibility to educational programs, with 77.9% strongly agreeing or agreeing. In conclusion, the one-sample t-test results indicated a significant need for improvement in strategies for enhancing awareness and understanding of obstetric danger signs among pregnant women. These findings underscore the importance of tailored interventions and continuous efforts in maternal health education programs. Recommendations include the enhancement of educational programs, improved access to information, incorporation of cultural sensitivity, collaboration with healthcare providers, and regular evaluation of intervention strategies. By addressing these recommendations, healthcare stakeholders can contribute to reducing maternal morbidity and mortality rates globally.
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.0. Introduction
Pregnancy is a significant phase in a woman’s life, marked by numerous physical and emotional changes. While it is a period of anticipation and joy, it also comes with inherent risks. Obstetric danger signs are crucial indicators that can help identify potential complications during pregnancy, ensuring timely intervention and safeguarding both maternal and fetal health. The knowledge and perception of these danger signs among pregnant women play a pivotal role in promoting maternal well-being. This thesis delves into the exploration of the knowledge and perception of obstetric danger signs among pregnant women, aiming to contribute valuable insights to maternal healthcare practices.
1.1. Background to the Study
Maternal mortality remains a pressing global health concern, particularly in developing countries where rates are significantly higher than in developed nations. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 295,000 women lost their lives during and after pregnancy in 2017, with a substantial majority of these fatalities occurring in low-resource settings. This alarming statistic underscores the urgent need for comprehensive interventions to address the root causes of maternal mortality and improve the overall quality of maternal healthcare.
One pivotal aspect in the quest to reduce maternal mortality is the understanding and awareness of obstetric danger signs among pregnant women. Obstetric danger signs serve as crucial indicators that can potentially avert maternal deaths by facilitating early recognition and appropriate management of complications during pregnancy and childbirth. The intricate interplay of factors influencing the knowledge and perception of these danger signs, such as educational background, socio-economic status, and cultural beliefs, underscores the complexity of the issue at hand.
Several studies have been conducted to shed light on the knowledge and perception of obstetric danger signs among pregnant women in various regions. In Chamwino district, Tanzania, a cross-sectional study conducted by Bintabara et al. (2017) revealed that recently delivered women exhibited varied levels of knowledge about obstetric danger signs. The study emphasized the need for targeted educational programs to bridge the awareness gap and enhance maternal healthcare practices in the region. Similarly, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Nkamba et al. (2021) conducted a nationwide cross-sectional study, showcasing the importance of understanding obstetric danger signs to improve maternal outcomes.
Educational background plays a significant role in shaping the awareness levels of pregnant women regarding obstetric danger signs. Vijay et al. (2015) highlighted this in a study conducted in a tertiary care teaching hospital, where the knowledge of danger signs varied among pregnant women with different educational backgrounds. In Ethiopia, Woldeamanuel et al. (2019) found that knowledge of obstetric danger signs was influenced by factors such as educational attainment, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions tailored to the educational levels of pregnant women.
Socio-economic status is another critical determinant of awareness levels among pregnant women. Bolanko et al. (2021) conducted a community-based cross-sectional study in Wolaita Sodo town, South Ethiopia, revealing that socio-economic factors significantly influenced knowledge of obstetric danger signs. This finding underscores the importance of addressing socio-economic disparities to ensure that maternal health education reaches all segments of the population.
Cultural beliefs and practices also shape the perception and understanding of obstetric danger signs. In a study conducted in Shashamane town, Oromia region, Ethiopia, Wassihun et al. (2020) found that cultural factors played a substantial role in influencing knowledge levels among mothers. The integration of culturally sensitive approaches in maternal health education is crucial to effectively communicate information about danger signs and promote positive health-seeking behaviors.
Addressing the knowledge gap regarding obstetric danger signs is imperative for preventing maternal deaths. The study conducted by Mwilike et al. (2018) in urban Tanzania highlighted the significance of knowledge in influencing healthcare-seeking actions among women. This finding emphasizes the direct link between awareness levels, timely recognition of danger signs, and subsequent healthcare-seeking behavior, ultimately contributing to positive maternal outcomes.
In the Democratic Republic of Congo, a study by Ramazani et al. (2022) explored maternal mortality and identified the importance of understanding local contexts and health systems in addressing the issue. The compendium of norms for the organization and operation of health structures in the DRC, as outlined by DRC/MINISANTE (2006), provides a framework for structuring healthcare services, emphasizing the need for comprehensive and well-organized healthcare systems to address maternal mortality effectively.
While progress has been made in understanding the factors influencing the knowledge and perception of obstetric danger signs, challenges persist. Inequities in healthcare access, cultural nuances, and limited resources continue to impede the implementation of effective maternal health interventions. Actis Danna et al. (2020) emphasized the utility of the three-delays model in understanding and addressing challenges in accessing intrapartum care in low- and middle-income countries. The model underscores the importance of recognizing delays in decision-making, reaching appropriate care, and receiving adequate care, providing a comprehensive framework for improving maternal healthcare services.
1.2. Statement of the Problem
Maternal mortality remains a formidable global health challenge, particularly in developing countries where rates far exceed those in developed nations (WHO, 2015). The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that around 295,000 women succumbed to complications during and after pregnancy in 2017, with a substantial majority of these deaths occurring in resource-constrained settings (WHO, 2015). Despite concerted global efforts to address maternal mortality, the persistence of this issue underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions.
One critical aspect contributing to maternal mortality is the lack of knowledge and awareness of obstetric danger signs among pregnant women. Maternal deaths are often preventable through timely recognition and appropriate management of obstetric complications (Bintabara et al., 2017). However, the ability of pregnant women to recognize and interpret these danger signs is influenced by various factors, including educational background, socio-economic status, and cultural beliefs (Bolanko et al., 2021; Wassihun et al., 2020). This knowledge gap poses a significant challenge as it may lead to delayed or inadequate care-seeking behavior, resulting in adverse outcomes for both the mother and the baby (Bintabara et al., 2017).
Understanding the specific factors that contribute to the lack of awareness and the challenges faced by pregnant women in recognizing obstetric danger signs is crucial. Investigating these factors is imperative for developing targeted interventions that bridge the knowledge gap and promote timely and appropriate care-seeking behaviors among pregnant women (Nkamba et al., 2021; Woldeamanuel et al., 2019). Therefore, the statement of the problem centers on elucidating the intricate web of influences that contribute to the insufficient knowledge and perception of obstetric danger signs among pregnant women, with the ultimate aim of informing evidence-based strategies to enhance maternal healthcare practices and mitigate the global burden of maternal mortality.
1.3. Purpose of the Study
The primary purpose of this study is to comprehensively investigate the knowledge and perception of obstetric danger signs among pregnant women. The study seeks to achieve the following specific objectives:
- To assess the level of knowledge among pregnant women regarding obstetric danger signs.
- To examine the perception of pregnant women towards the severity of obstetric danger signs.
- To identify the factors influencing the knowledge and perception of obstetric danger signs among pregnant women.
- To recommend strategies for improving awareness and understanding of obstetric danger signs among pregnant women.
1.4. Relevance of the Study
This research holds paramount significance in the global landscape of maternal healthcare improvement. By delving into the complexities surrounding pregnant women’s understanding and perception of obstetric danger signs, the study contributes substantially to the existing wealth of knowledge on maternal health. The insights derived from this research are poised to play a pivotal role in guiding healthcare practitioners, policymakers, and community stakeholders in formulating targeted interventions. These interventions are crucial for addressing the knowledge deficit and fostering timely and appropriate care-seeking behaviors among pregnant women, thereby contributing to the overarching goal of enhancing maternal healthcare outcomes worldwide.
Furthermore, the study’s relevance transcends the realm of academic inquiry, aligning closely with the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3, which underscores the imperative of ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages. Of particular significance is Target 3.1 within SDG 3, which specifically aims at reducing the global maternal mortality ratio. Consequently, research endeavors in the domain of maternal health, such as the one undertaken in this study, assume a vital role in aligning with and advancing international efforts directed at attaining this overarching goal. The findings and implications emanating from this study stand poised to inform and guide policy formulations, healthcare strategies, and community-level initiatives, collectively contributing to the realization of improved maternal healthcare and the broader objectives outlined in SDG 3.