Midwives' Understanding and Preparedness for Pre-Eclampsia Risk Identification and Prevention in Nigeria: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Background Pre-eclampsia, is among the major causes of maternal and neonatal mortality worldwide, especially in developing countries. The World Health Organization recommends identifying and preventing pre-eclampsia as cost-saving measures essential to controlling the disease. Being the front-line managers of maternal care, the midwives' understanding and preparedness for pre-eclampsia prevention is absolutely necessary. Objectives This study examined midwives’ understanding and preparedness for risk identification and prevention of pre-eclampsia among pregnant women. Methods A descriptive qualitative study that used an in-depth interview guide to collect data from 18 midwives who were purposively selected in south-western Nigeria. Data were collected between June and August, 2023, and analysed using content and thematic analysis. Results Four major themes emerged: (1) midwives’ understanding of pre-eclampsia risk identification and prevention (2) midwives’ preparedness for pre-eclampsia prevention (3) midwives’ responsibilities towards pre-eclampsia prevention and (4) challenges faced in pre-eclampsia prevention. The midwives demonstrated poor understanding and preparedness for pre-eclampsia prevention. Conclusion Poor understanding, inadequate preparedness, and challenges of heavy workload, lack of approved guidelines and equipment for pre-eclampsia risk identification and prevention were observed among the midwives. Hence, the need for training and adequate provision of equipment to enhance pre-eclampsia prevention. Rwanda J Med Health Sci 2025;8(3):440-456.