AWARENESS AND PRACTICES OF ANTENATAL CARE AMONG PREGNANT FEMALES

Abstract

Objectives: The objectives of the study were to determine the awareness and practice levels regarding antenatal care among pregnant females visiting Arif memorial teaching hospital, Lahore. Methods: It was a cross sectional study done in 350 pregnant women with singleton pregnancy presented at a tertiary care center using purposive sampling technique. The predesigned questionnaire was used to collect information regarding socio-demographic factors as well as knowledge and practice questions regarding ANC. Scoring was designed with >70% designated as adequate knowledge or practice levels. Information was entered and results were obtained using SPSS 24.0. Results: Among total 350 respondents, mean age was 28.54±5.26 years. The mean knowledge and practice scores were 27.56±6.11 and 12.33±3.14 and there were 110 (31.4%) and 50 (14.3%) women having adequate knowledge and practice respectively. Respondent’s literacy was significantly associated with knowledge (p=0.015) and working women have better practices than house wives (p<0.001). Conclusion: It was concluded that the adequate knowledge and practices regarding ANC was considerably low. To improve community awareness on ANC community campaign and mass media should use. Family support and government support both should be parallel provided to pregnant female in order to improve maternal health. Key words: Antenatal Care, Knowledge, Practice, Reproductive age women, Tertiary Care Hospital.