AWARENESS, KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDE OF PREGNANT WOMEN TOWARDS PREGNANCY INDUCED HYPERTENSION IN CENTRAL HOSPITAL WARRI SOUTH LGA DELTA STATE WARRI

Abstract

This study employed a quantitative survey research design to investigate the awareness, knowledge, and attitudes of pregnant women towards pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) in Central Hospital Warri, South LGA, Delta State. A structured questionnaire, designed in line with a 5-point Likert scale, was administered to a purposive sample of 120 respondents. The questionnaire aimed to gather insights into the participants' awareness levels, knowledge about PIH, attitudes towards medical care, and the influence of socio-cultural and healthcare factors. SPSS27 was utilized for both data presentation and analysis. The hypotheses formulated were tested using the t-test statistical method, with an assumed mean of 0 and a critical table value of 2.92 at a 5% level of significance. The results indicated significant differences from the assumed mean, suggesting that contextual and individual factors significantly impact maternal health perceptions in the study area. Findings revealed that pregnant women exhibited high levels of awareness and knowledge concerning PIH, reflecting the success of health education efforts. Positive attitudes towards seeking medical care and adopting preventive measures were also prevalent. The socio-cultural and healthcare context was identified as a major influencer, emphasizing the importance of tailoring interventions to the local context.In conclusion, the study contributes valuable insights into the maternal health landscape, emphasizing the need for culturally sensitive and context-specific interventions. Recommendations include strengthening health education programs, tailoring interventions to socio-cultural contexts, expanding access to antenatal care, integrating mental health support, collaborating with community health workers, providing regular training for healthcare providers, implementing supportive policies, and promoting ongoing research and monitoring. These recommendations collectively aim to enhance maternal and child health outcomes and inform future public health initiatives in the region.

CHAPTER ONE

1.0 Introduction

Pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) poses a significant threat to maternal and child health, necessitating a thorough exploration of the awareness, knowledge, and attitudes of pregnant women in Central Hospital Warri, South LGA, Delta State. This chapter introduces the research, providing an overview of the background, problem statement, specific objectives, and the relevance of the study.

1.1 Background to the Study

Maternal and child health stand at the forefront of public health concerns, reflecting the intricate dynamics that influence the well-being of both mothers and infants. This concern is magnified by the complex and multifaceted nature of pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH), a condition recognized as a critical factor contributing to adverse outcomes during pregnancy (Nwosu et al., 2009; Abou Zahr & Guilotti, 2018). PIH, encompassing gestational hypertension and preeclampsia, poses significant risks such as preterm birth, low birth weight, and maternal mortality (Nwosu et al., 2009; Buga & Shumu, 2019). As evident in Central Hospital Warri, South LGA, Delta State, where the prevalence of PIH is notable (Nwosu et al., 2009), there is an urgent need for an in-depth exploration into the awareness, knowledge, and attitudes of pregnant women towards this condition.

The prevalence of PIH in Central Hospital Warri, South LGA, Delta State, underscores the gravity of the situation and emphasizes the necessity for a comprehensive investigation into the factors shaping the awareness, knowledge, and attitudes of pregnant women in the region (Nwosu et al., 2009; Buga & Shumu, 2019). The high incidence of PIH not only poses immediate health risks to the pregnant women but also sets the stage for potential long-term health complications for both mothers and infants (Arshad et al., 2021; Abou Zahr & Guilotti, 2018). Therefore, understanding the specific challenges and determinants within the local context is imperative for designing effective and culturally sensitive interventions that address the unique needs of pregnant women in Central Hospital Warri.

In Central Hospital Warri, South LGA, Delta State, the factors influencing the awareness, knowledge, and attitudes of pregnant women towards PIH are likely to be deeply embedded in the socio-cultural fabric and healthcare infrastructure of the region (Oyira et al., 2019; Lawrence, 1999). Cultural beliefs, traditions, and socio-economic factors can significantly impact how pregnant women perceive and respond to health issues, including PIH (Oyira et al., 2019; Lawrence, 2019). Additionally, the accessibility and quality of healthcare services play a pivotal role in shaping the health-seeking behavior of pregnant women (Oyira et al., 2019; Myo et al., 2018). Therefore, a nuanced understanding of these contextual factors is essential for the development of targeted interventions that resonate with the local population.

To address the pressing issue of PIH in Central Hospital Warri, South LGA, Delta State, targeted interventions must be informed by a thorough understanding of the awareness, knowledge, and attitudes of pregnant women in the region (Oyira et al., 2019). Educational programs should be designed to enhance awareness, providing pregnant women with the necessary information to recognize the signs and symptoms of PIH (Rosenstock et al., 2018). Moreover, interventions should focus on improving knowledge levels, ensuring that pregnant women are well-informed about the causes, preventive measures, and potential consequences of PIH (Oyira et al., 2019; Derakhshan et al., 2020).

In addition to awareness and knowledge, addressing the attitudes of pregnant women towards seeking medical care and adopting preventive measures is crucial (Oyira et al., 2019). Attitudinal barriers, such as fear, cultural beliefs, or perceived stigma associated with seeking medical care, can hinder timely intervention and exacerbate the risks associated with PIH (Oyira et al., 2019;). Therefore, interventions should strive to create a supportive healthcare environment, promoting positive attitudes towards seeking medical care and adhering to recommended preventive measures (Rosenstock, 2017).

In conclusion, the prevalence of pregnancy-induced hypertension in Central Hospital Warri, South LGA, Delta State, underscores the urgency of addressing the awareness, knowledge, and attitudes of pregnant women towards this condition. The factors influencing these elements are intricately tied to the socio-cultural context and healthcare infrastructure of the region. To develop effective interventions, a comprehensive understanding of these factors is crucial. By targeting awareness, knowledge, and attitudes, public health initiatives can empower pregnant women to make informed decisions, seek timely medical care, and adopt preventive measures, ultimately mitigating the impact of PIH on maternal and child health in Central Hospital Warri, South LGA, Delta State.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

In Central Hospital Warri, South LGA, Delta State, the issue of pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) looms large as a significant public health concern. Despite the well-established risks associated with PIH, there exists a noticeable gap in the research landscape, particularly in understanding the awareness, knowledge, and attitudes of pregnant women in this specific region. This research deficit poses a substantial impediment to the development of targeted and effective strategies aimed at addressing and mitigating the impact of PIH on maternal and child health in this community.

The absence of comprehensive research focusing on the awareness, knowledge, and attitudes of pregnant women in Central Hospital Warri, South LGA, Delta State, is a critical gap that warrants urgent attention (Nwosu et al., 2019; Abou Zahr & Guilotti, 2018). While PIH is acknowledged as a serious health risk globally, the lack of region-specific insights hampers the tailoring of interventions to meet the unique needs and challenges faced by pregnant women in this locale (Nwosu et al., 2019; Buga & Shumu, 2019). To address the complex issue of PIH effectively, it is imperative to delve into the local dynamics, considering socio-cultural nuances, healthcare infrastructure, and community-specific factors that may influence the awareness, knowledge, and attitudes of pregnant women.

This research gap not only reflects a scholarly deficiency but also has tangible implications for the health outcomes of mothers and infants in Central Hospital Warri. The limited understanding of how pregnant women in this region perceive and respond to PIH hinders the establishment of targeted interventions and educational programs that could significantly contribute to the reduction of adverse outcomes associated with the condition (Oyira et al., 2009; Buga & Shumu, 2019). To develop impactful strategies, it is imperative to bridge this gap by uncovering the specific challenges faced by pregnant women in Central Hospital Warri, South LGA, Delta State, regarding PIH.

Identifying the specific challenges faced by pregnant women in Central Hospital Warri is crucial for designing interventions that are not only effective but also contextually relevant (Oyira et al., 2009; Buga & Shumu, 2019). Socio-cultural factors, economic disparities, and healthcare accessibility issues may contribute to unique challenges that pregnant women in this region encounter regarding PIH (Oyira et al., 2009; Lawrence, 2019). For instance, cultural beliefs and practices may influence women's perceptions of PIH symptoms, affecting their willingness to seek medical assistance promptly (Oyira et al., 2009; Lawrence, 2019). Additionally, economic constraints and limited healthcare infrastructure may impact the timely diagnosis and management of PIH, exacerbating the health risks for pregnant women in this community (Oyira et al., 2009; Lawrence, 2019).

Addressing the challenges faced by pregnant women in Central Hospital Warri requires a nuanced understanding of the local context and its implications for maternal and child health. Interventions must go beyond generic, one-size-fits-all approaches and be tailored to the specific needs of this community (Oyira et al., 2009; Lawrence, 2019). Culturally sensitive educational programs can dispel myths, provide accurate information, and empower pregnant women to make informed decisions regarding their health (Derakhshan et al., 2020; Lawrence, 2019). Furthermore, interventions should consider economic factors, ensuring that healthcare services are accessible and affordable for all pregnant women in Central Hospital Warri (Derakhshan et al., 2020; Lawrence, 2019).

In conclusion, the lack of in-depth research on the awareness, knowledge, and attitudes of pregnant women towards pregnancy-induced hypertension in Central Hospital Warri, South LGA, Delta State, poses a significant challenge for maternal and child health in the region. This research gap inhibits the development of targeted and effective strategies to address the impact of PIH. To mitigate this issue, it is crucial to identify the specific challenges faced by pregnant women in this locale, considering socio-cultural, economic, and healthcare factors. Tailoring interventions to the unique needs of Central Hospital Warri is essential for ensuring contextually relevant and impactful initiatives that can contribute to improved maternal and child health outcomes in the community.

1.3 Purpose of the Study

The primary purpose of this study is to investigate the awareness, knowledge, and attitudes of pregnant women towards pregnancy-induced hypertension in Central Hospital Warri, South LGA, Delta State. The specific objectives include:

1. To assess the level of awareness among pregnant women regarding pregnancy-induced hypertension in Central Hospital Warri, South LGA, Delta State.

2. To examine the knowledge levels of pregnant women about the causes, symptoms, and preventive measures of pregnancy-induced hypertension in the study area.

3. To investigate the attitudes of pregnant women towards seeking medical care and adopting preventive measures for pregnancy-induced hypertension in Central Hospital Warri, South LGA, Delta State.

4. To explore the socio-cultural and healthcare context influencing the awareness, knowledge, and attitudes of pregnant women towards pregnancy-induced hypertension.

1.4 Relevance of the Study

The significance of this study extends across multiple dimensions, making a substantial contribution to the existing body of knowledge and providing valuable insights that can inform various stakeholders at local, regional, and national levels. Primarily, this research addresses a critical research gap by shedding light on the awareness, knowledge, and attitudes of pregnant women towards pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) in Central Hospital Warri, South LGA, Delta State (Nwosu et al., 2019; Buga & Shumu, 2019). The dearth of region-specific insights into these aspects impedes the development of targeted interventions and hinders the advancement of maternal and child health in the local context.

By bridging this research gap, the study significantly contributes to the existing body of knowledge in maternal and child health. It goes beyond the generic understanding of PIH by uncovering the unique dynamics at play in Central Hospital Warri, providing a nuanced perspective that can enrich the global discourse on hypertensive disorders during pregnancy (Nwosu et al., 2019; Buga & Shumu, 2019). The findings of this research will be instrumental in expanding the understanding of the contextual factors influencing awareness, knowledge, and attitudes towards PIH, thereby contributing to the broader academic literature on maternal health.

Furthermore, the implications of this research reach far beyond academia. The study's findings hold practical relevance for healthcare providers, policymakers, and researchers involved in maternal and child health initiatives. Healthcare providers can leverage the insights gained from this research to tailor their approaches in diagnosing, treating, and educating pregnant women about PIH in Central Hospital Warri (Oyira et al., 2009; Buga & Shumu, 2019). Policymakers, armed with a deeper understanding of the local context, can formulate targeted policies and allocate resources more effectively to address the specific challenges faced by pregnant women in this region (Oyira et al., 2009; Buga & Shumu, 2019). Moreover, researchers in the field of public health can use these findings as a springboard for further investigations, creating a cumulative body of knowledge that informs evidence-based practices in maternal and child health.

Tailoring interventions to the specific needs of the local population is a paramount outcome of this research. The findings offer actionable insights that enable healthcare providers to design and implement interventions that resonate with the socio-cultural nuances and healthcare infrastructure of Central Hospital Warri (Oyira et al., 2009; Buga & Shumu, 2019). Customizing interventions based on the study's findings ensures that they are not only effective but also culturally sensitive, enhancing their acceptance and impact among the target population. This approach aligns with the principles of community-based healthcare, fostering a collaborative and responsive healthcare system.

Secondly, the study is relevant for the improvement of maternal and child health outcomes. By identifying the factors that influence the awareness and attitudes of pregnant women, the study aims to contribute to the development of targeted educational programs and interventions that empower women to make informed decisions during pregnancy.