KNOWLEDGE OF OBSTETRIC DANGER SIGNS AND ITS ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN IN RWAMAGANA DISTRICT, RWANDA

Abstract

Abstract

Obstetric danger signs are warning symptoms of the imminence of a possible threat relating to the situation of the pregnancy. Evidence shows that women with better knowledge of obstetric danger signs have improved healthcare-seeking behaviors than their counterparts with limited knowledge. Yet, the knowledge of obstetric danger signs in Rwamagana are unknown, limiting any interventions to decrease maternal mortality. This study will fill the existing gap of knowledge on this matter in Rwanda in general and in Rwamagana District in particular. The study aims at determining the level of knowledge of obstetric danger signs among pregnant women attending antenatal care in selected health centers of Rwamagana District, Rwanda and identifying the factors associated to that knowledge. A cross sectional study design was used with a quantitative approach. The study focused on 3,898 women. The sample has been obtained based on Cochrane formula and the calculation gave 424 women. All ethical requirements were respected. The findings showed that the respondents with low level of knowledge were 32.8% while the respondents with high level of knowledge were 67.2%. being aged 35 years old and above was three times more likely to be associated with the high level of knowledge on obstetric danger signs with AOR 3.869 95% CI (2.158-6.935), p<0.010. Married/cohabiting participants were twice more likely to be associated with the high level of knowledge on obstetric danger signs with AOR 2.373 95% CI (0.205-3.679), p<0.002. Also, having done 4 ANC visits and above was three times more likely to be associated with the high level of knowledge on obstetric danger signs with AOR 3.824 95% CI (2.492-5.868), p<0.001. Multiparous participants were twice more likely to be associated with the high level of knowledge on obstetric danger signs with AOR 2.333 95% CI (1.543-3.530), p<0.001. Also, having studied at secondary and university was three times more likely to be associated with the high level of knowledge on obstetric danger signs with AOR 3.646 95% CI (2.809-8.234), p<0.001 and participants residing in urban area were three times more likely to be associated with the high level of knowledge on obstetric danger signs with AOR 3.812 95% CI (2.283-6.366), p<0.001. In sum, the study revealed that about three quarters of the respondents have a high level of knowledge on obstetric danger signs. As recommendation, the government should increase the sensitization on the importance of respecting the 4 ANC visits recommended by the WHO.