Knowledge of postnatal danger signs and associated factors among first-time mothers at Tororo General Hospital, Uganda

Abstract

Background/Aims Danger signs are indicators of complications easily recognised by non-clinical personnel that may occur during pregnancy, childbirth or in the postpartum period. Some maternal deaths can be attributed to a lack of information about postnatal danger signs. Most studies on knowledge of danger signs have investigated groups of participants with mixed parities, meaning there is limited research on knowledge among first-time mothers. The aim of this study was to determine first-time mothers’ knowledge of postnatal danger signs and associated factors in Uganda. Methods This was a cross-sectional study that recruited 358 primigravidas. Data on knowledge of postnatal danger signs and the participants’ obstetric and sociodemographic factors were collected through interviewer-administered questionnaires. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to determine factors associated with knowledge of postnatal danger signs. Results Of the 358 participants, 63.4% could name at least one postnatal danger sign. Factors associated with knowledge of postnatal danger signs were having secondary or tertiary education (P=0.002), attending more than four antenatal care visits (P<0.001) and having access to information platforms (P<0.001). Conclusions There is insufficient knowledge of postnatal danger signs among first-time mothers at Tororo General Hospital. First-time mothers require health education as they lack experience and knowledge of danger signs. The use of media sources to convey health information should be strengthened in the healthcare system.

Knowledge of Postnatal Danger Signs and Associated Factors among Mothers in Nepal

“…To earn the label of knowledgeable, a woman needed to recognize at least three of the following danger signs: severe vaginal bleeding, foul-smelling vaginal discharge, and high fever. In contrast, another study revealed that only 55.1% of postpartum women were aware of maternal danger signs Nabugwere et al, (2022). 35 The most commonly recognized danger signs were severe vaginal bleeding, high fever, and foul-smelling vaginal discharge, which aligns with earlier research conducted in Tanzania and Kenya Phanice & Zachary, 2018).36,37 According to research, individuals who attended at least four antenatal care appointments were 2.18 times more knowledgeable about PDS than those with fewer than 3 ANC visits.…”

“…In contrast, another study revealed that only 55.1% of postpartum women were aware of maternal danger signs Nabugwere et al, (2022). 35 The most commonly recognized danger signs were severe vaginal bleeding, high fever, and foul-smelling vaginal discharge, which aligns with earlier research conducted in Tanzania and Kenya Phanice & Zachary, 2018).36,37 According to research, individuals who attended at least four antenatal care appointments were 2.18 times more knowledgeable about PDS than those with fewer than 3 ANC visits. This finding is statistically significant (p<0.001) and consistent with similar studies conducted in Thailand and Ethiopia (Kaewkiattikun & Lekbornvornwong, 2019;Wassihun et al, 2020).38,39 Regular attendance of antenatal care appointments in Nepal is beneficial in gaining awareness about potential health risks and exchanging information with other expectant mothers during health education sessions at the clinic.…”

Influence of a Training Module on the Knowledge of Midwives Concerning Postpartum Warning Signs at the Primary Health Care Level in Osun State, Nigeria

“…Studies have demonstrated the positive influence of targeted interventions, such as training modules, workshops, or academic programs, on healthcare professionals' knowledge and skills. For example, a study by Tella [13] focused on the impact of a training intervention on midwives' knowledge and practices in maternal and newborn care. The findings revealed a significant improvement in midwives' knowledge after the intervention, supporting the idea that well-designed educational programs can enhance healthcare professionals' capabilities.…”

Awareness and practice regarding puerperal danger signs among postnatal mothers attending at rural tertiary care center of Nepal

“…Other maternal postnatal danger signs include fast or difficult breathing, convulsions, being too weak to get out of bed, blurred vision and headaches, pain in calf muscles, redness or swelling, urinary incontinence, swollen or tender breasts or nipples, increased perineal pain and depression within 42 days of birth. [1] Worldwide, nearly 600,000 mothers between the ages of 15-49 years die every year due to complications arising from pregnancy and childbirth. Hence, maternal death occurs almost every minute of every year, out of which 99% are in the developing countries.…”