Knowledge of midwives about hypertensive disorders during pregnancy in primary healthcare.

Ethelwynn L Stellenberg,Nompumelelo L Ngwekazi

doi:10.4102/phcfm.v8i1.899

Ethelwynn L Stellenberg, Nompumelelo L Ngwekazi

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.4102/phcfm.v8i1.899

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Abstract

BackgroundMany factors or medical conditions may influence the outcome of pregnancy, which in turn, may increase infant and maternal morbidity and mortality. One such condition is an increase in blood pressure (BP).SettingThe study was conducted in maternity obstetrical units (MOUs) in primary healthcare clinics (PHCs) in the Eastern Cape, South Africa.ObjectivesTo determine the knowledge about hypertensive disorders during pregnancy (HDPs) of registered midwives working in MOUs in PHCs.MethodsA quantitative descriptive correlation research design was applied. A simple random sample of 43 (44%) rural and urban clinics was selected, and all registered midwives (n = 101) working in these clinics completed a self-administered questionnaire.Data were collected over a period of 1 month. The reliability and validity of the methodology were supported by experts and a pilot study. Descriptive statistics including various statistical tests to determine any associations between variables using a 95% confidence interval were applied.ResultsA gap in the knowledge of midwives about HDPs was identified. Only 56.4% of the participants correctly answered the questions on the clinical manifestations of severe pre-eclampsia and 68.3% on the factors affecting BP, whereas 27.7% had no understanding about pre-eclampsia. Significant statistical differences were identified in the knowledge of staff in clinics where doctors visit regularly versus those in clinics where there are no visits (p = 0.04), and between experience of midwives and management of HDPs (p = 0.02).ConclusionThe knowledge of midwives is deficient regarding HDPs. Continuous professional development is critical in midwifery both in theory and in clinical practice.

Highlights

Social valueIt is imperative that midwives working in primary healthcare have the required knowledge about specific avoidable conditions during pregnancy
This will enable them to assess, diagnose and manage the pregnant patient efficiently and effectively and ensure that infant and maternal morbidity and mortality rates are kept at a minimum
In South Africa, the majority of pregnancy-related care is delivered by midwives at maternity obstetrical units (MOUs) based at the primary healthcare level.[6]

Summary

Introduction

It is imperative that midwives working in primary healthcare have the required knowledge about specific avoidable conditions during pregnancy. This will enable them to assess, diagnose and manage the pregnant patient efficiently and effectively and ensure that infant and maternal morbidity and mortality rates are kept at a minimum. Many factors or medical conditions may influence the outcome of pregnancy, which in turn, may increase infant and maternal morbidity and mortality. One such condition is an increase in blood pressure (BP). Setting: The study was conducted in maternity obstetrical units (MOUs) in primary healthcare clinics (PHCs) in the Eastern Cape, South Africa

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Conclusion