KNOWLEDGE OF PRE-PREGNANCY CARE AMONG WOMEN WITH HIGH RISK PREGNANCY IN PERAK, MALAYSIA: WHAT ARE THE FACTORS?

Abstract

Pre-pregnancy care is an important approach for maternal and child health. This study aimed to determine the knowledge about pre-pregnancy care and factors associated with good pre-pregnancy care knowledge among women with high risk pregnancy in Kinta, Perak. A cross-sectional study was conducted among women diagnosed as high-risk pregnancy in governmental health clinics in Kinta. Stratified random sampling was applied and interviewer-guided questionnaires were administered. A proforma and the validated Pre-pregnancy Care Knowledge and Practice Questionnaire were used, consisting of 21 items on knowledge. Good pre-pregnancy care knowledge was defined as those with the total score of more than 12. Logistic regression analysis was conducted using SPSS software. Of the 490 women, their mean age was 29.98 (SD 5.51) years. Less than half (48.6%) had good knowledge of pre-pregnancy care. Education level and attended pre-pregnancy care services were significantly associated with good pre-pregnancy care knowledge. Compared to women with secondary and below education, those with tertiary education had two times odds of having good pre-pregnancy care knowledge (Adjusted odds ratio 2.06; 95% CI: 1.41, 3.03; p<0.001). Compared to women who never attended pre-pregnancy care services, those who had attended were almost 2.5 times higher odds of having good pre-pregnancy care knowledge (Adjusted odds ratio 2.46; 95% CI: 1.59, 3.83; p<0.001). The pre-pregnancy care knowledge of women with high risk pregnancy in this study was still unsatisfactory. The area with a lacking of knowledge and the significant factors should be focused to improve pre-pregnancy care knowledge and utilization.