Abstract

Agnes Agwang*, Judith Drazidio, Rose Aciro

Background: Pre-eclampsia is a pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure and multi-organ dysfunction in mothers. It is a leading contributor to maternal and perinatal mortality in low and middle-income countries. Prompt diagnosis of preeclampsia is necessary to ensure maternal and fetal well-being while delays in the diagnosis contribute to adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. This study assessed knowledge, attitude, and practices of midwives towards prompt identification of signs and symptoms of pre-eclampsia in Lira regional referral hospital Lira district.

Subjects and methods: This study employed a descriptive cross-sectional study design among midwives in Lira regional referral hospital. A simple random sampling technique was used to select 57 midwives. The dependent variable was prompt identification of signs and symptoms of preeclampsia while independent variables included knowledge, attitude, and practices. A quantitative questionnaire was used and data analyzed using frequency distribution with corresponding percentages.

Results: 57 respondents participated in this study, 91.2% were aware of prompt identification of signs and symptoms of preeclampsia. 98.2% knew that prompt identification included blood pressure taking and urine testing. 63.2% ever attended training on the identification of pre-eclampsia. 96.5% were aware of the effects of pre-eclampsia on the mother and body. 98.2% agreed that prompt identification reduced maternal and perinatal mortality and late identification posed adverse pregnancy outcomes. 68.4% always did proper screening of blood pressure and urine testing, only 47.4% always had a urine test kit in their unit at all times, 68.4% always had blood pressure machines available in all clinical areas. 33.3% always had urine testing for all pregnant women, and 73.7% always instructed pregnant women to collect clean urine for testing.

Conclusions: Knowledge and attitude of respondents was found high and positive towards prompt identification while practices were found low. The study recommended training; supply of equipment required for the identification of pre-eclampsia.