Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Pre-eclampsia/Eclampsia Preventive Measures among Pregnant Women in Selected Primary Health Care Facilities in Kano State: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: This study investigated the knowledge, attitude, and practice of preeclampsia/eclampsia (PE/E) preventive measures among pregnant women in Kano. Methods: This study applied sequential mixed-method research to understand the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of preventive measures for PE/E; as part of the discovery phase of a broader project that applies modified human-centred design model to understand the roles of both patients and healthcare providers in the prevention and management of PE/E. Data were collected using structured questionnaires through face-to-face interviews and focus group discussions. This study was limited to 16 health facilities from two (2) Local Government Areas in Kano State: Kumbotso and Ungogo, representing a diverse group of pregnant women comprising 828 participants. The quantitative data was analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25 (IBM® Armonk, USA) Chi-square and logistic regression model. Confidence level was set at 95% and p-value <0.05 was considered significant. MAXQDA software (version 2022.8) was used for qualitative analysis. Results: Of the 828 pregnant women who participated in the study, 281 (33.9%) had adequate knowledge of PE/E, 693 (83.6%) showed a positive attitude and 416 (50.2%) expressed good practice towards PE/E prevention. There were significant association between the women's sociodemographic characteristics and KAP (p <0.05). Location (rural/urban divide), educational level, source of income, trimester, and number of children were significant predictors of KAP of PE/E prevention (p <0.05). The common terminology used to understand PE/E was the occurrence of severe headaches, and their channel of knowledge was in hospitals through health education. The most important theme for attitude was health facility visits; the participants understood the importance of preventing the condition (preeclampsia and eclampsia). However, practice was not directly associated with PE/E prevention, but with better pregnancy outcome. Conclusion: The findings reveal a connection between educational levels and the knowledge, attitude, and practice of pregnant women towards PE/E preventive measures. Notably, those with lower educational levels tend to exhibit poorer knowledge and attitudes concerning preventive measures. The geographical location and associated ethno-religious connotations have inherently disadvantaged striving women, leading to reduced access to quality healthcare services.