Assessment on the knowledge and reported practices of women on maternal and child health care: a cross-sectional survey

Abstract

Background: Maternal mortality during pregnancy or within 42 days of delivery has been a priority area for development community and global health since 1987. The mortality rates of mother and children could be improved by adequate care, which requires awareness for the mothers toward personal health and fetal health. The present study aims to assess the knowledge and practice of women regarding maternal and child health among Saudi population. Methodology: A cross sectional study was conducted on mothers aged not less than 20 years in Saudi Arabia using online survey. The survey used in this study included questions regarding demographics, household, knowledge, and practice of women regarding maternal and children health. Simple descriptive analysis was used in representing data in number and percent using online monkey survey. Results: Among total 500 women included in the study, 43.6% of them were in age range of 20–30 years old. There were 55.4% of them who knew the frequency of Antenatal care (ANC) visits, 60% was not aware of the ideal schedule for ANC checkup during pregnancy. There were 39.2% females who visited ANC during last pregnancy for four times or more, 81.2% initiated breastfeeding before age of 6 month of the baby. Conclusion: There was insufficient knowledge among women in Saudi population with inappropriate practices followed toward their perosnal health, whereas their practice toward the child health was good.