Assessment of knowledge about Essential Obstetric Care among Pregnant Females of Punjab, Pakistan

Abstract

Purpose: The first step towards achieving the goals of the Child Health and Reproductive Health Program is to raise awareness and educate pregnant women about the essential features of basic and emergency maternity and neonatal care. Aims: To assess the level of knowledge on essential antenatal care among pregnant females. Study Design: A cross-sectional study. Place and Duration: The study was conducted at Gynaecology and Obstetrics department of Sheikh Zayed Hospital, Rahim Yar Khan and Shahida Islam Teaching Hospital, Lodhran for the duration of six months from 16th August 2020 to 15th February 2021. Methods: This study was held among 110 pregnant women who arrived based on information on antenatal care in the literature. Participants were selected by simple random sampling, and data on “essential obstetrics care" information was collected through a structured interview program based on the mother-Child Protection Charter. Results: This study shows that 46.4% of participants have sufficient knowledge of the signs / symptoms of the dangers of pregnancy, 44.5% have sufficient knowledge of antenatal care and only 9.1% have sufficient knowledge of maternity care. It was found that knowledge of obstetric care is significantly related to the education level of pregnant women. Conclusions: The knowledge gap found in this study indicates the need to reassess the effectiveness of health education activities implemented through the health system and improve / renew the content and quality of health education materials in order to raise awareness among pregnant women. Keywords: Antenatal care, MCP card, Obstetrics care, Primary health care.