Knowledge of obstetric danger signs among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic at rural health training centre of a medical college in Hyderabad

Abstract

Background: One of the major causes for the death of women is due to maternal mortality. Around 529,000 women die annually from maternal causes (World Health Organization (WHO) estimate) Majority of these deaths occur in the less developed countries. An Indian woman dies from complication related to pregnancy and child birth for every 7 minutes. For every woman who dies =30 more women suffer injuries, infection and disability. In Sub-Saharan Africa, where one of every 16 women dies of pregnancy related causes during her lifetime, compared with only 1 in 2,800 women in developed regions. Raising awareness of women about obstetric danger signs would improve early detection of problems and helps in seeking timely obstetric care.Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among pregnant women who attended antenatal clinics between May 2014–August 2014 at field practice areas of RHTC, KAMSRC. A total 274 pregnant women had given consent and participated in the study. Data was collected by interview in local language and a predesigned and pretested questionnaire was used which include socio demographic profile, parity, ANC visits, gravid, knowledge regarding danger signs during pregnancy, post-partum period. Socio-economic status was assessed according to Modified Kuppuswamy’s classification (as per June 2015 CPI).Results: About 35.7%, pregnant women have good awareness 21.2%, average and 43% have poor knowledge about danger signs of pregnancy. Pregnant women in the age group of >30 years, educational status and occupational status of pregnant women and their husbands and pregnant mothers who had regular antenatal check-ups had significant associations with the awareness of obstetric danger.Conclusions: Our study concludes that there is need of creating awareness and increasing the knowledge of women about obstetric danger signs.

Knowledge of obstetric danger signs among Saudi Arabian women

“…Regarding the danger signs during labor, our study showed that a higher percentage of women knew prolonged labor was a danger sign. Bhumi et al found that the danger signs recognized by women during the postnatal period were severe bleeding (74.0%), foul-smelling discharge (72.6%), and high fever (68.6%) [19]. Conversely, our study found a higher percentage recognized foul-smelling vaginal discharge as a danger sign, while a lower percentage knew that high fever is a danger sign during the postpartum period.…”

Knowledge regarding obstetric danger signs among mother attending antenatal clinic at Scheer Memorial Adventist Hospital, Banepa, Kavre

“…In the present study, 79% of the respondents mentioned placenta not delivered after 30 minutes of child birth as a danger signs during labor and this is consistent with the study done by Bhumi et al, 24 in India (2018) which showed and loss of consciousness as a danger signs during pregnancy. About 95% of respondent were aware of vaginal bleeding as a danger signs followed by decreased or loss of fetal movement (94%) and foul vaginal discharge (94%).…”

Knowledge about obstetric danger signs among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic in a tertiary care hospital of Delhi: a cross sectional study

“…Study conducted by Bhumi MA et al revealed that severe bleeding per vagina (74.0%), foul smelling discharge (72.6%), and high fever (68.6%) were key danger sign during post-natal period known by study participants. 18 Present study revealed that educational status of mother, socioeconomic status of participants and ANC visits were showing statistically significant association with knowledge of obstetric danger signs. Similarly, Vijay et al, found in their study that educational status had significant association with level of knowledge on danger signs during pregnancy and study conducted by Bhumi MA et al, showed that there is a significant association between knowledge scores about danger signs with mother's age and education.…”

“…Similar finding was found by Bhumi MA et al in which severe bleeding (71.5%), retained placenta (68.6%), edema hands/feet/face (64.5%) and convulsions (57.6%) were most commonly known. 18 Current study revealed that 42.2% participants had the knowledge of at least one danger sign during postpartum period and 64.8% participants had knowledge about heavy bleeding, 41.5% and 23.2% participants had the knowledge about painful urination and smelly vaginal discharge respectively as a danger sign during this period. Study conducted by Bhumi MA et al revealed that severe bleeding per vagina (74.0%), foul smelling discharge (72.6%), and high fever (68.6%) were key danger sign during post-natal period known by study participants.…”