ASSESSMENT OF KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICES OF PREGNANT WOMEN TOWARD DANGER SIGNS OF PREGNANCY

Zaki, Amoura; Fouad, Shaimaa; Khedr, Nahed

doi:10.21608/mnj.2021.179792

ASSESSMENT OF KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICES OF PREGNANT WOMEN TOWARD DANGER SIGNS OF PREGNANCY

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Faculty of Nursing, Mansoura University, Egypt

² , Faculty of Nursing, Mansoura University, Egypt

³ Community Health Nursing department, Faculty of Nursing, Mansoura University, Egypt

10.21608/mnj.2021.179792

Abstract

Background: Knowledge of danger signs among pregnant women is the first
essential step in accepting appropriate and timely referral. Also, it is important in
improving maternal and fetal health outcomes. Aim: The present study aimed to assess
knowledge and practices of pregnant women toward danger signs of pregnancy. Methods:
A descriptive study design was utilized at Obstetrics and Gynecology Department and
Clinics at Mansoura General Hospital on 242 pregnant women who had been chosen by
systematic random sampling technique. Three tools were used for data collection; a
structured interview schedule, danger signs knowledge assessment schedule and danger
signs practices assessment questionnaire. Results: pregnant women total knowledge score
of danger signs was poor in 57.9% of them while fair in 29.3% and good in less than
12.8% of them, during pregnancy the most commonly identified danger signs were vaginal
bleeding (69.8%) followed by severe abdominal pain (56.20%) and sever vomiting (55.4%).
A significant association was found between women's general characteristics and their
knowledge about pregnancy danger signs (p < 0.001). More than two thirds (65.3%) of
pregnant women had inadequate practices regarding danger signs of pregnancy.
Conclusion: The current study questions were answered where poor knowledge level
regarding danger signs of pregnancy was reported among pregnant women. According to
the actual practices taken by pregnant women to overcome their danger signs during
current pregnancy, self-care was the most commonly reported actual practice.
Recommendations: The study recommended developing antenatal classes programs for all
pregnant women about pregnancy danger signs and about the actual time to seek
emergency medical care. In addition, increase the mass media to disseminate correct and
relevant information about danger signs of pregnancy to pregnant women, families and
communities.

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