To Assess the Knowledge of Danger Signs in Pregnancy Among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinic in Kampala International University -Teaching Hospital

ABSTRACT

A cross-sectional study was done on the Topic: Assessment of knowledge of Danger Signs among pregnant women attending ANC in KIU-TH). Pregnancy is a normal process that results in a series of both physiological and psychological changes in expectant mothers. However, normal pregnancy may be accompanied by some problems and complications which is potentially life-threatening to the mother and the fetus. Fraser et al (2003). Danger sign(s) is a term used to refer to a group of symptoms and signs, that when they occur during pregnancy require prompt treatment or special care to do the best for the mother and her baby. Awareness of these signs and symptoms (danger signs) of Obstetric complications leads to timely access to appropriate emergency obstetric care, WHO, (2010). This knowledge of danger signs in Obstetrics is the essential first step in accepting appropriate and timely referral to the obstetrician, BMC, (2009). The findings of the study showed that; 61 (61%) out of the 100 respondents (mothers) had some knowledge of danger signs in pregnancy, while 39(39%) did not have any knowledge on danger signs in pregnancy. These results found that the majority of pregnant women had some level of knowledge about danger signs in pregnancy. This could be attributed to the daily health education talks that are given to mothers during their Antenatal care visits and the one-to-one counseling that goes on in the clinic and among peers. These results agreed with the findings of the same study by; Screenivasa Rasa, (2013) and Kabakyenga et al., (2011). This study has therefore given highlighted information on the knowledge of danger signs among pregnant mothers that attend ANC in the area of study. I would like to make a recommendation to the Administration to improve the staffing level at ANC so that the Health Education Program which is the main means of creating awareness is improved in addition to the one-on-one counseling this will help to improve the knowledge of danger signs in pregnancy among the mothers that come to ANC.