Knowledge of obstetric danger signs among Saudi Arabian women

Amani Abu-Shaheen,Muhammad Riaz,Abdullah Nofal,Humariya Heena,Isamme Alfayyad

doi:10.1186/s12889-020-09075-9

Abstract

BackgroundIn the Middle East, tremendous efforts have been made to promote both maternal and child health. However, there is little information in the literature about maternal knowledge of obstetric danger signs. Thus, this study aims to investigate Saudi Arabian women’s knowledge of obstetric danger signs and their determinant factors.MethodsA community-based, cross-sectional survey was conducted in primary health care centers (PHCCs) in Riyadh City. A proportionate random sample of women who have delivered during the past 2 years was selected from the PHCCs. Data were then collected through structured interviews; the questionnaire was developed based on the literature review.ResultsA random sample of 1397 women were included in the final analysis of this study. During pregnancy, 21.1% of the participants reported that they knew about swollen hands or faces. During labor, 23.1% of the participants reported that they knew about prolonged labor (> 12 h). At postpartum, 26.3% of the participants reported that they knew about foul-smelling vaginal discharge. In this study, women in the northern region of Riyadh who visited government hospitals had significantly higher odds of knowing at least one obstetric danger sign. A statistically significant difference was found between the participants’ knowledge of at least one obstetric danger sign and her 11–15 times of antenatal care visit.ConclusionsA dedicated health education guide, and a kingdom-wide maternal and child health preventive care promotion program could improve the health and wellbeing of expectant mothers. In these programs, it is essential to focus on birth preparedness, with danger signs recognition, and the integrate health-related data for the whole kingdom.

Highlights

In the Middle East, tremendous efforts have been made to promote both maternal and child health
21.1% of the participants reported that they knew about swollen hands or faces, 15.3% reported severe vaginal bleeding, and 13.9% reported blurred vision
The study results indicated that women in the northern region of Riyadh Odds Ratios (OR) = 1.51 who visited government hospitals OR = 1.76 (1.06–2.93) had significantly higher odds of knowing at least one obstetric danger sign

Summary

Introduction

In the Middle East, tremendous efforts have been made to promote both maternal and child health. There is little information in the literature about maternal knowledge of obstetric danger signs. Most maternal deaths are preventable [3], the average maternal mortality rate is 216 per 100,000 live births in developing countries. Obstetric danger signs are symptoms that well known to non-medical people. The most prevalent danger signs occurring during pregnancy are severe vaginal bleeding, swollen hands or face, and blurred vision. The most common danger signs are severe vaginal bleeding, prolonged labor, convulsions, and retained placenta. Severe bleeding, loss of consciousness, and fever are the most frequent danger signs occurring during postpartum [4, 5]. Women should learn to recognize these danger signs and their association with obstetric complications so they and their families could seek prompt medical care,

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