Assessment of Knowledge Regarding Pregnancy-Induced Hypertension Among Women
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.54112/bcsrj.v6i12.2121Keywords:
Pregnancy induced hypertension; hypertensive disorders of pregnancy; knowledge; pregnant women; antenatal careAbstract
Pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) is a major contributor to maternal and perinatal morbidity. In Pakistan, limited awareness and delayed care seeking may worsen outcomes; assessing maternal knowledge is essential for targeted antenatal education. Objective: To assess the level of knowledge regarding pregnancy-induced hypertension among pregnant women attending antenatal care at a tertiary care hospital in Lahore, Pakistan. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in the gynecology outpatient department of a tertiary care hospital in Lahore. Pregnant women at or beyond 20 weeks of gestation with documented blood pressure ≥140/90 mmHg on at least two occasions (4 hours apart) and no prior history of chronic hypertension were included; women with pre-existing hypertension and selected chronic illnesses (eg, diabetes, renal disease) were excluded. Sample size (n = 187) was calculated using Slovin's formula (estimated population 350; margin of error 5%), and participants were recruited through convenience sampling. Data were collected via a structured, adapted questionnaire (translated into Urdu) administered through face-to-face interviews. Data were analyzed in SPSS version 21 using descriptive statistics (frequencies and percentages). Results: Among 187 women, most were aged 23 to 27 years (40.1%); 89.8% were from urban areas, 52.4% were illiterate, 91.4% were homemakers, and 60.4% were multigravida. A physician's diagnosis of hypertension in the current pregnancy was reported by 77.0%. Complications related to hypertensive disorders (preeclampsia/eclampsia/toxemia) were reported by 65.8%, and 54.5% reported proteinuria or severe PIH. At assessment, 46.0% were currently hypertensive, while 48.7% reported taking antihypertensive medication. Knowledge assessment showed that 60.4% had no awareness of high blood pressure and its implications in pregnancy; 49.7% reported a family history of hypertension. Conclusion: A substantial knowledge gap regarding PIH was observed among pregnant women receiving antenatal care, alongside a high burden of reported complications. Strengthening focused health education and counseling during antenatal visits may improve early recognition and timely care seeking for hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.
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