Knowledge, Attitude and Practices on Maternal Hypertensive Disorder Among Mothers in Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia

Abstract

Maternal hypertensive disorder (MHD) complicates 10% of pregnancy worldwide. In Malaysia, the percentage of maternal deaths due to MHD increased from 2012 to 2017 and did not show any decline yet. Hence, this study was aimed to develop and validate the questionnaires, to measure the level of knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) on MHD, to evaluate the associated factors and any correlation between KAP on MHD. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Kuantan, Pahang between January 2020 and March 2020. A convenience sampling was used, and self-administered questionnaires were distributed to 100 respondents that fulfil the criteria. The questionnaire was developed through literature review and validated by five medical experts. Then, the pilot study validation was resulted in 0.894 of Cronbach’s Alpha test, which achieved the reliability between the questions. Most of the respondents had a moderate knowledge (n=63; 63.0%), moderate attitude (n=66; 66.0%) and high practices (n=61; 61.0%) on MHD. There was no significant association between socio-demographic factors and KAP of the respondents. A significant correlation is identified between knowledge and attitude (r=0.613, p<0.001) and knowledge and practice (r =0.326, p=0.001) but no significant association between attitude and practice (r=0.183, p=0.068). In conclusion, this study has revealed that majority of the respondents possess moderate knowledge and attitude, and excellent practice on MHD. Hence, future studies that related to KAP on maternal mortality and morbidity across setting should be done so that the early prevention steps can be taken to accommodate the possible problems that may arise in the future.