Abstract
BackgroundLike other developing countries, in Ethiopia, obstetric complications contribute to about 50% of the maternal deaths. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess knowledge of obstetric danger signs and its associated factors among mothers attending the postnatal clinic at Felege Hiwot Referral Hospital, Bahir Dar district, northwest Ethiopia.MethodsA hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 410 postnatal mothers at Felege Hiwot Referral Hospital from June to September 2015. Knowledge of obstetric danger signs among postnatal clinic attending mothers was determined by using seventeen obstetric danger sign questions via interviewing. The binary logistic regression model was used to identify associated factors. In the multivariable analysis, variables with a P value of < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Odds ratio with 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated to show the strength of association.ResultsAbout 59% [95% CI 55, 63] of mothers were knowledgeable about obstetric danger signs. The odds of having good knowledge of obstetric danger signs were higher among mothers who were more educated [AOR = 6.86, 95% CI 2.47, 19.27], earned more than 3500 ETB household monthly income [AOR = 3.38, 95% CI 1.20, 13.96], and received information on danger signs from health extension workers (HEWs) [AOR = 4.23, 95% CI 1.83, 9.70] compared to their counterparts. However, mothers with service utilization decision power [AOR = 0.14, 95% CI 0.07, 0.27] with husband were 86% times less likely to be knowledgeable compared to mothers decided by themselves.ConclusionIn this study, below two thirds of mothers had good knowledge of obstetric danger signs. Thus, improving educational status and obtaining health information on obstetric danger signs from health professionals should be intensified. This implies that lack of awareness may lead to delay in seeking care. Thus, improving mothers’ socio-economic status and self-decision-making power on utilization of health service are essential to mitigate the high burden of maternal morbidity due to obstetric complications. Also, obtaining health information on obstetric danger signs from health professionals should be intensified.
Highlights
Like other developing countries, in Ethiopia, obstetric complications contribute to about 50% of the maternal deaths
Improving mothers’ socio-economic status and self-decision-making power on utilization of health service are essential to mitigate the high burden of maternal morbidity due to obstetric complications
This study aimed to assess knowledge of obstetric danger signs and its associated factors among mothers attending the postnatal clinic at Felege Hiwot Referral Hospital, Bahir Dar district, northwest Ethiopia, 2015
Summary
In Ethiopia, obstetric complications contribute to about 50% of the maternal deaths. Obstetric danger signs are problems that mothers face during pregnancy, labor, and the postpartum period [1]. Obstetric complications in Ethiopia contribute about 50% of the maternal deaths [5]. A marked decline of the burden of morbidity and mortality has been documented, 676 mothers die per 100,000 live births in Ethiopia. This huge proportion of maternal death is associated with obstetric hemorrhage and obstructed labor, mostly during or just after delivery [6, 7]. Preeclampsia, eclampsia, and unsafe abortions are other direct obstetric complications during pregnancy, childbirth, or postpartum [1, 7]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
