Exploring perceptions and attitudes towards pregnancy danger signs among childbearing age women in the Al-Baha Region, Saudi Arabia.

Abstract

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that complications related to pregnancy and childbirth affect approximately 300 million women in developing countries, causing both acute and chronic illnesses. Direct obstetric complications such as hemorrhage, sepsis, hypertensive disorders during pregnancy, obstructed and prolonged labor, and unsafe abortion account for approximately 75% of maternal deaths. This study aimed to assess the perceptions and attitudes towards pregnancy danger signs among women of childbearing age in the Al-Baha Region, Saudi Arabia. A descriptive cross-sectional hospital-based study was conducted using simple random sampling to select 446 pregnant women. After outlining the study's goal and ensuring confidentiality, data were gathered through a pre-tested, well-designed questionnaire. Data were analyzed using Excel and SPSS version 28. The assessment of the study participants about perceptions of pregnancy danger signs revealed that many were aware of signs such as bleeding, abdominal pain, and lack of fetal movement, indicating a comprehensive understanding of potential pregnancy complications. The study participants exhibited good knowledge and relatively positive attitudes towards pregnancy danger signs. However, a significant fraction showed negative attitudes and insufficient knowledge, suggesting room for improvement in maternal health literacy. The study also found a significant relationship between sociodemographic characteristics and knowledge.Most participants had good knowledge and perceptions about pregnancy danger signs, and their attitudes were relatively positive. However, there is a need to increase awareness and improve attitudes towards pregnancy danger signs among women in the Al-Baha Region.