KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND MANAGEMENT PRACTICES OF PRE-ECLAMPSIA AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN IN RURAL COMMUNITIES OF KADUNA STATE, NIGERIA.
Keywords:
Pre-eclampsia, knowledge, attitudes, management practices, pregnant women, NigeriaAbstract
Background: Pre-eclampsia is a major cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. This study assessed knowledge, attitudes, and intended management practices regarding pre-eclampsia among pregnant women in rural communities of Kaduna State, Nigeria.
Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 385 pregnant women selected through multistage sampling. Data were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire and analysed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests at a 5% significance level.
Results: Only 130 (33.8%) respondents had adequate knowledge, while 302 (78.4%) demonstrated positive attitudes towards prevention and facility-based management. However, 198 (51.4%) believed traditional remedies could treat pre-eclampsia. Only 160 (41.6%) intended to seek immediate facility-based care for severe headache and blurred vision. Hypotheses examined relationships between knowledge and attitudes, knowledge and intended management practices, and attitudes and intended management practices. Their statistical significance could not be established from the aggregate frequencies provided.
Conclusion: Health education, improved antenatal counselling, and accessible referral services are recommended to improve knowledge and promote timely professional care.
