Assessment of Response Patterns to Pregnancy-Related Danger-Signs among Women Attending Antenatal Clinic of a Maternity Teaching Hospital: A Descriptive Study

Background and Aims: Despite advances in antenatal healthcare services, maternal mortality remains high especially in developing countries, with the sub-Saharan African region bearing the greatest burden. Poor knowledge of and delayed responses to pregnancy-related danger signs among pregnant women have been identified among the contributory factors. This study assessed response to pregnancy-related danger signs among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic at Adeoye Maternity Teaching Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria. 

Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study design among 145 women who were selected into the study through convenient sampling technique. Data were collected using structured self-administered questionnaires, and analyzed using descriptive and Chi-square statistics. Level of significance, at p ≤ 0.05. Results were presented in descriptive tables and charts.

Results: Mean age of respondents was 29.7 ± 7.5 years. Only about half 54.5% of respondents the demonstrated good knowledge of pregnancy-related danger signs. Similarly, about half 55.1% of the respondents reported prompt response by seeking immediate care when they experienced pregnancy-related danger signs. In addition, finding showed no significant association between respondents’ knowledge and their response to pregnancy-related danger signs (χ²=5.484, p=0.064).

Conclusion: Response to pregnancy-related danger signs was partially satisfactory among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic at the study setting. Strengthening maternal health through comprehensive maternal education during routine antenatal care and community educational programs on dangers and importance of timely health-seeking behavior in pregnancy-related dangers cannot be over-emphasized. This will help towards reduction of maternal mortality rate associated with pregnancy-related danger signs.