Knowledge of obstetric danger signs among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic in Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital, Kano, Nigeria

Abstract

Knowledge of obstetric danger sign promotes active preparation and decision making for delivery by pregnant women and their families. It assists in decision making for seeking health care in case of complications. This study was aimed at determining the knowledge of obstetric danger signs among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic in Murtala Muhammad specialist hospital Kano. It was a cross sectional survey among 394 pregnant women attending antenatal clinic. Information on knowledge of obstetric danger signs were recorded on a questionnaire. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 19 Computer Software (IBM SPSS Statistics Inc., IL, Chicago USA). Quantitative variables were summarized using measures of central tendency and measures of variability. Qualitative variables were summarized using frequencies and percentages. A P value of ≤0.05 was considered statistically significant. The mean age ±SD was 26.9±6.21 years. The mean gestational age at booking was 29.7±7.22 weeks. Two hundred and eightysix (77.1%) Pregnant women were aware that unforeseen problems related to pregnancy can occur during any pregnancy that can endanger the life of the woman. These problems include bleeding 176 (61.6%) and convulsion 96 (33.6%). Should any of those problems occur, a woman should preferably visit government hospital 366 (92.9%). Concerning danger signs of pregnancy, the respondents mentioned that a health worker advised them at least once, about danger signs of serious health problems during pregnancy, child birth or soon after 228 (63.3%). The study findings generally revealed that there was awareness of obstetrics danger signs. Vaginal bleeding was the commonest obstetric danger sign known. Knowledge of obstetric danger signs was statistically associated with parity and age group.