Abstract:

Introduction: Improving knowledge of obstetric danger signs and promoting positive awareness towards birth preparedness practices are strategies to improve birth outcomes. Awareness of the danger signs of obstetric complications is an essential step which could encourage pregnant mothers to come to the health facility earlier and receive appropriate care needed. In Tanzania, maternal morbidity and mortality is still high compared with other countries in East Africa. Despite the high rate of antenatal care attendance, which should facilitate provision of information about signs of potential pregnancy complications, little is known about the knowledge level of primigravidae regarding childbirth related risks. It is important to know whether women are informed about danger signs and understand the importance of them.

The objective: Of this study was to assess the knowledge and awareness about pregnancy and childbirth related risks among primigravidae attending antenatal clinics at Mwanza city.

Methodology: A cross sectional descriptive study was done. 388 primigravidae who attended antenatal clinics in selected health facilities were enrolled. Convenience sampling technique was used to enroll the participants and structured questionnaire was used to collect the information. Categorical data were coded and entered into statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 17 software for analysis. Results are summarized into frequency, percentages and proportions. Continuous variables were summarized in mean ± standard deviation. Comparison between groups was done using Pearson’s chi-square or Fisher’s exact test, whichever was appropriate and statistical significance difference was fixed at a p-value of less than 0.05.

Results: However regarding all danger signs during pregnancy, delivery and post-partum period about two third (61.9%) of primigravidae who participated in this study had poor knowledge, compared to 38.1% who demonstrated good knowledge. However regarding individual danger signs, more than 60% of primigravidae knew that severe bleeding is danger during pregnant, childbirth and postpartum and more than 50% of primigravidae also knew that high fever is danger sign during pregnancy. Health facility where the primigravidae attended, marital status, level of education and primigravidae age were not associated with knowledge about obstetric complications and risks. About on forth (26.3%) of primigravidae had poor perception, compared to 286 (73.7%). Who demonstrated good perception and this was associated with the health facility they attended, with those attended hospital having poorer perception.

Conclusion: In this study, although the majority of the women attended antenatal care they generally had a low level of knowledge and awareness of obstetric danger signs and complications. Educational level, marital status, occupation and age were not good predictors of intention to attend at least two ANC visits.