KNOWLEDGE OF PREECLAMPSIA AMONG ANTENATAL WOMEN IN A TERTIARY REFERRAL TEACHING HOSPITAL

Abstract

Each year around the world, about 76,000 pregnant women die from preeclampsia and related hypertensive disorders. Maternal death could be prevented if mothers are equipped with knowledge and by following preventive practices. The purpose of this study was to assess the knowledge about preeclampsia among antenatal women in a tertiary teaching hospital in Kelantan. The design selected for the study is cross-sectional design conducted on 76 antenatal mothers above 20 weeks of gestational age and attending antenatal clinical in Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan. Non-probability purposive sampling technique was used. The tool included socio-demographic proforma and knowledge questionnaire on preeclampsia. The data was analysed in terms of both descriptive and inferential analysis. Data analysis regarding level of knowledge revealed that minority of mothers (18.4%) had adequate knowledge with a mean score of 53.46 (±26.42). Maternal age and receipt of information towards preeclampsia showed an association with knowledge scores at 0.05 level of significance. The study showed a need for awareness program and public education about preeclampsia among antenatal mothers.