Knowledge of preeclampsia and its associated factors among pregnant women: a possible link to reduce related adverse outcomes

Abstract

BackgroundPre-eclampsia (PE) is one of the leading causes of maternal morbidity and mortality globally. Adequate knowledge about a disorder contributes greatly to its prevention, control and management. This study assessed the level of knowledge of PE and evaluated the factors associated with knowledge adequacy among pregnant women attending antenatal care at a University Hospital in Kumasi-Ghana.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted at the University Hospital in Kumasi, Ghana. A validated closed-ended questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic information and history of PE. Knowledge of PE was assessed based on a series of questions regarding the awareness, signs/symptoms, risk factors and complications of PE. Responses were scored percentage-wise and grouped into low (< 60%), moderate (60–80%) and high (80–100%). Knowledge score was then re-stratified into adequate (% score of ≥60%) and inadequate knowledge of PE (% score of < 60%).ResultsThe prevalence of inadequate and adequate knowledge of PE was 88.6% (mean score = 55.5 ± 4.3%) and 11.4% (mean score = 76.3 ± 5.9%), respectively. For participants with adequate knowledge of PE, 9.1% (mean score = 67.4 ± 6.9%) and 2.3% (mean score = 85.2 ± 5.1%) had moderate and high knowledge, respectively. Using univariate logistic regression models, being older (> 35 years old) [cOR = 3.09, 95%CI (0.88–10.88), p = 0.049] and having a higher level of education (> SHS education) [cOR = 4.45, 95%CI (2.18–9.10), p < 0.0001] were significantly associated with greater odds of having adequate knowledge of PE. After controlling for potential confounders in multivariate logistic regression analysis, we found higher level of education to be independently associated with adequate knowledge of PE [aOR = 2.87, 95%CI (1.31–6.30), p = 0.008].ConclusionThe knowledge of PE among pregnant women in Ghana is low. The prominent factor that facilitates adequacy of knowledge of PE is higher level of education.

Retracted: HDAC2‐mediated proliferation of trophoblast cells requires the miR‐183/FOXA1/IL‐8 signaling pathway

“…PE is a major cause for the global incidence of maternal death (Fondjo, Boamah, Fierti, Gyesi, & Owiredu, 2019), and its molecular functional mechanisms remain to be understood, which assumes critical importance for the development of cause‐related treatment for PE (Kraker et al, 2020; Wildner et al, 2019). In an attempt to discover potential molecular targets relevant to PE, we first reviewed the existing evidence regarding its pathogenesis.…”

Prevalence and Risk Factors Associated With Preeclampsia, Low Birth Weight and Postpartum Hemorrhage in Northern Ghana

“…Timely ANC booking facilitates early identification of signs related to various conditions during pregnancy. This allows for early intervention and improvement of health outcomes for both the mother and baby [24]. Indeed, You et al in a study in the US, proposed that a substantial number of the serious complications of PE could be prevented through identification of symptoms through early reporting by patients [26].…”

Hydrogen sulfide releasing molecule MZe786 inhibits soluble Flt-1 and prevents preeclampsia in a refined RUPP mouse model

“…Preeclampsia is characterised by new hypertension along with complications affecting maternal organs and the feto-placental systems [ 1 , 2 ]. It contributes significantly to poor health outcomes in later life for both the mother and the baby [ [3] , [4] , [5] ].…”