Obstetric danger signs among pregnant women in urban field practice area of Bengaluru Medical College

Abstract

Background One of the most important goal that is relevant to RMNCHA strategic approach is reduction of Maternal Mortality Rate to 100 per 100000 live births by 2017. India still has a MMR of 174 per 100000 live birth by 2015. Important causes of maternal mortality are severe bleeding 25 infection 15 eclampsia obstructed labour unsafe abortion. Identification of danger signs by the pregnant women becomes the key to reduce maternal mortality and also foetal loss by appropriate and timely referral. Various studies have shown that there is a lack of knowledge among pregnant women pertaining to this.Objectives 1.To assess the knowledge of pregnant women about the danger signs during pregnancy delivery and postpartum. 2. To assess the factors associated with knowledge of pregnant women.Methodology This is a cross sectional study at the urban field practice area of BMCRI. With reference to previous study conducted by Nithya et al 180 sample size was calculated All pregnant women who gave consent were included in the study. The tool used for testing the knowledge about the danger signs of pregnancy labour and childbirth was as enumerated by the World Health Organization in the Safe Motherhood Needs Assessment document which is a semi-structured questionnaire. Pregnant women who mentioned at least three danger signs during pregnancy at least two problems of labour and at least two danger signs after delivery were considered knowledgeable. At the end of the study the participants were educated about the danger signs in the vernacular language.Results Percentage of pregnant women aware of danger signs during pregnancy childbirth and postpartum are 35 22 18 respectively. The factors associated with good knowledge was high literacy rate parity and antenatal visits. Conclusion There is a lack of knowledge among pregnant women about danger signs. Reduction in maternal mortality can be achieved by health education.