Obstetric Danger Signs Experience and Medical Care Sought Among Saudi Women: A Community Based Survey

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the occurrence of obstetric danger signs and medical care sought during pregnancy, delivery and postpartum periods among Saudi women. Study design: A community-based cross-sectional survey was conducted on women from five regions of Riyadh who had delivered during the past two years. A structured interview through a predesigned piloted questionnaire was conducted. Socio-demographic characteristics, occurrence of danger signs during the antenatal, delivery and postpartum period were recorded. Results: A sample of 1428 women was interviewed in this study and 1397 were included in the analysis. Around, 35% of the participants had a history of at least one of these three danger signs during pregnancy. Five hundred forty (38.7%) participants had a history of at least one of the obstetric danger signs during delivery. Five hundred four (36.1%) participants had a history of at least one of the obstetric danger signs during postpartum period. The experience of at least one obstetric danger was significantly associated with the northern region of Riyadh, (odds ratio (OR)= 2.03, 95% CI:1.39-2.97); a higher level of education (OR=1.42, 95% CI:1.01-1.98); unemployment OR=0.67, (95% CI: 0.48-0.93) and having hypertension (OR =2.11, 95% CI:1.42-3.13). Around, 36% of the participants sought medical care subsequent to the experience. A statistical significant difference was found between antenatal care visits (more than 10 visits) and the experience of at least one of the obstetric danger signs. Conclusions: This is the first study in Saudi Arabia that reports the proportion or experiences of women with obstetric danger signs. A considerable proportion of women did not seek medical care subsequent to experiencing obstetrical danger signs. Although the coverage of ante and postnatal care is good in KSA, but awareness programs regarding danger signs at grass root levels in antenatal and postnatal care are needed. Funding Statement: The study was funded by King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Declaration of Interests: The authors state that they have no conflict of interests. Ethics Approval Statement: Informed consent was obtained before the enrollment of each participant, the identity of the participant was kept confidential, and the board approval was obtained from the Directorate of PHCCs, Ministry of Health, and ethical approval from King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.