Community awareness in managing pre-eclampsia in Bauchi State, north-eastern Nigeria : a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Pre-eclampsia has been pin-pointed as one of the leading causes of maternal mortality in Nigeria especially in rural areas, yet very little has been done to provide effective measures in mitigating its impact on the pUblic. This study assessed the level of awareness of pregnant women and health workers in managing pre-eclampsia in a community in Bauchi state, Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional study was undertaken using self administered questionnaires, semi-structured questionnaire based interviews and field observation. 129 participants consisting of 103 women and 26 health workers were utilised. Information was obtained on the knowledge of symptoms of pre-eclampsia, use of antenatal care services, preferred information z, assessment of healthcare services and need for more health information. Two sets of Close-ended qu;estionnaires were utilised. Data obtained was analysed using MS Excel and SPSS version 12 and descriptive indices obtained. In this study, it was observed that a large fraction of women did not know about preeclampsia or its symptoms, denoting poor levels of awareness of this health condition. The use and content of antenatal care services was demeaning. Clinical knowledge was also lacking among health workers, especially the healthcare assistants who make up a large fraction of the health force in Nigeria. Such pitfalls need to be addressed effectively. The need for improved routine training of healthcare workers especially healthcare assistants is pertinent if they are to effectively manage this health condition, and educate the general public of its dangers. Community mobilisation and awareness must be included in intervention strategies to properly inform the-public, and curtail existent communal beliefs about pregnancy. Recommendations and strategies promoting maternal health must take note of the harmful effects of pre-eclampsia amongst Nigerian women.