Abstract

A SURVEY OF KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND BELIEF TOWARDS PREGNANCY INDUCED HYPERTENSION AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN ATTENDING SIR SUNDERLAL HOSPITAL, BHU, VARANASI

Gayatri Satpathy, Anjali Rani*, Priyanka Tripathi, Poojita, Aakansha Kulshreshta

Abstract

Introduction: The primary aim of this study was to find out the knowledge, attitude and belief towards Pregnancy Induced Hypertension (PIH) among pregnant women attending Sir Sunderlal Hospital, BHU, Varanasi. Material and Method: A sample of 100 pregnant women was used for the study. The research was made using the questions: What is the level of pregnant women’s knowledge regarding antenatal blood pressure check-up and awareness about PIH? What is the level of pregnant women’s knowledge regarding association of PIH with other conditions in pregnancy? What are the pregnant women’s attitude and belief regarding features of PIH? Their answers were analysed using descriptive statistics. Results: The study showed that 40% women in the study group did not have knowledge regarding antenatal BP checkup and 82% had not heard about PIH. Knowledge regarding association of PIH with Gestational DM, Renal disease, Multiple pregnancy and obesity was absent in 90%, 87%, 95% and 88% of the women in the study group respectively. Majority of the women would seek medical care on developing symptoms of PIH. Ninety percent of the respondents would visit the hospital if they notice swollen legs, 95% if they develop constant headache, 87% if they develop upper abdominal pain, 98% if they developed blurring of vision and all of them if they developed breathlessness and palpitations. 6% of the women believed that bad spirits may be involved in the development of seizures in pregnancy. Conclusion: In conclusion, Preeclampsia is a significant maternal health problem in India. To decrease the maternal and peri-natal morbidity and mortality associated with this condition we have to improve our existing health care facilties. At the same time, we have to increase the awareness about this life threatening condition in the public so that they avail the existing health care facility. The health workers and the Government should make efforts in this direction.

Keywords: Pregnancy induced Hypertension, Knowledge, Attitude, Belief, Awareness.