Evaluating Intellectual Capacity of Women Attending Antenatal Care on Common Complications of Pregnancy: A Clinical-Based Study of Preeclampsia and Eclampsia

Abstract

Background and Aim: To assess the intellectual capacity of pregnant women attending antenatal care regarding common complications of pregnancy (preeclampsia and eclampsia); with the goal of preventing these complications through enhanced knowledge. Methods: This clinical-based descriptive cross-sectional study involved 157 volunteered pregnant women attending antenatal. A simple random-sampling technique was utilized to select participants. Data was collected using a self-structured questionnaire designed in accordance to the study objectives. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS (v25). Results: Among the participants, 92.4% were married, 71.3% had secondary education and greater percentage (56.1%) had 3 deliveries. Greater proportion 80(50.9%) had no knowledge, 39(24.8%) had poor knowledge, 20(12.7%) had fair knowledge while 18(11.6%) had good knowledge of the causes of preeclampsia and eclampsia. 86(55.8%) had no knowledge, 33(21.0%), had poor knowledge, 24(15.3%) had fair knowledge while 24(15.3%) had good knowledge of the signs and symptoms of preeclampsia and eclampsia. 96(61.1%) had no knowledge, 18(11.5%) had poor knowledge, 33(21.0%) had fair knowledge while 10(6.40%) had good knowledge of the preventive measures of preeclampsia and eclampsia. Conclusion: Low intellectual capacity regarding preeclampsia and eclampsia among the pregnant women was observed. Consequently, necessitates sensitization programs aimed at enhancing knowledge and mitigating the occurrence of these pregnancy-related complications.