Knowledge of preeclampsia among pregnant women

Abstract

Preeclampsia (P.E) has remained a public health threat to both developed and developing countries, the incidence of preeclampsia in Lebanon is high at 2.84 %. Pregnant female knowledge and awareness of P.E are crucial to reduce morbidity and mortality for both fetus and mother. Across-sectional observational study was conducted to analyze data from Lebanese’s pregnant women. This study aims to assess the level of knowledge of PE among pregnant women in the Lebanese population. this cross-sectional study was conducted between September and December2020 in obstetricians’ clinics of different health care institutions, in five governorates in Lebanon. A closed-ended questionnaire was distributed to 400 pregnant females. The first part of the questionnaire aimed to collect socio-demographic information about the participants. The second part was specified for knowledge of PE. Twenty-three knowledge points were assessed looking at signs and symptoms, risk factors, and complications. The last part addressed some attitudes about dealing with this disorder. Responses were scored percentage-wise and grouped into low <60m%, moderate (60-80 %), and high (80-100%). there is inadequate knowledge of P.E among the Lebanese population. In total 15.3 % have adequate knowledge of P.E. A linear regression showed that the knowledge score increased in working pregnant women (p=0.04), who lived in Bekaa (p<0.001), who had a vocational (p=0.01) or university education (p=0.001) and who had any relative develop preeclampsia (p=0.03) or suffering from diabetes (p=0.03). Furthermore, the knowledge when blood pressure is considered high (p<0.001) and the hearing about preeclampsia (p<0.001) increased also the knowledge score about preeclampsia. the knowledge of PE among pregnant women in Lebanon is low.