ASSESSMENT OF KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND HEALTH–SEEKING BEHAVIOR OF OBSTETRIC DANGER SIGNS DURING PREGNANCY AMONG PREGNANT MOTHERS ATTENDING ANTENATAL CARE IN FAMILY GUIDANCE ASSOCIATION CLINIC, HAWASSA, ETHIOPIA

Abstract

Introduction: The identification of Obstetric danger signs and its relation with complication during pregnancy would enable the mother , their care provider to seek health care timely, attending the necessary steps to have a safe birth and post-partum. Insufficient knowledge regarding this problem among mothers, families, and birth attendants in developing world is the major attributing predictor for maternal deaths. Objectives: To assess knowledge, attitude, health–seek behavior and associated factor of danger signs during pregnancy among pregnant mothers attending Antenatal care in Family Guidance Association Clinic, 2016, Hawassa, Ethiopia. Methods: Institution based cross-sectional study design was conducted from May 05/ 2016 to August 01/2016 G.C. A total of 251 pregnant mothers were included in the study using a single population proportion formula. A systematic random sampling method was used to select study participants from pregnant mothers attending Antenatal care. Data was collected by using structured interviewer administered questionnaire. Data was entered into EPI info version 3.5.1 and exported to SPSS version 21 statistical software package for cleaning, coding and analysis. Descriptive statistics was done to assess basic characteristics. Factors that show association in Bivariable analysis was entered into Multivariable logistic regression model. The strength of statistical association was measured by AOR, 95% confidence intervals, and P-value <0.05 will be considered as significant. Result: A total of 251 pregnant women were included in the study with a response rate of 100%. The study revealed that 60.6% of participants had heard about obstetric danger signs .The percentage of women who have positive attitude toward seeking medical care and privation obstetric danger sign during pregnancy was 86.9% and 84.5% of the study participants had practice seek medical care when they faced problem. Conclusion: The knowledge, Attitude and practice of Obstetric danger signs were affected by educational status, occupation, and Null parity. Efforts need focus on availing antenatal care services with appropriate information on danger signs of pregnancy to increase the knowledge of pregnant women about danger signs during pregnancy.