Preeclampsia knowledge among postpartum women treated for preeclampsia and eclampsia at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra, Ghana.

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND:Preeclampsia/eclampsia is a major cause of maternal morbidity and mortality worldwide, yet patients' perspectives about their diagnosis are not well understood. Our study examines patient knowledge among women with preeclampsia/eclampsia in a large urban hospital in Ghana. METHODS:Postpartum women diagnosed with preeclampsia or eclampsia were asked to complete a survey 2-5?days after delivery that assessed demographic information, key obstetric factors, and questions regarding provider counseling. Provider counseling on diagnosis, causes, complications, and future health effects of preeclampsia/eclampsia was quantified on a 4-point scale ('Counseling Composite Score'). Participants also completed an objective knowledge assessment regarding preeclampsia/eclampsia, scored from 0 to 22 points ('Preeclampsia/Eclampsia Knowledge Score' (PEKS)). Linear regression was used to identify predictors of knowledge score. RESULTS:A total of 150 participants were recruited, 88.7% (133) with preeclampsia and 11.3% (17) with eclampsia. Participants had a median age of 32?years, median parity of 2, and mean number of 5.4 antenatal visits. Approximately half of participants reported primary education as their highest level of education. While 74% of women reported having a complication during pregnancy, only 32% of participants with preeclampsia were able to correctly identify their diagnosis, and no participants diagnosed with eclampsia could correctly identify their diagnosis. Thirty-one percent of participants reported receiving no counseling from providers, and only 11% received counseling in all four categories. Even when counseled, 40-50% of participants reported incomplete understanding. Out of 22 possible points on a cumulative knowledge assessment scale, participants had a mean score of 12.9?±?0.38. Adjusting for age, parity, and the number of antenatal visits, higher scores on the knowledge assessment are associated with more provider counseling (? 1.4, SE 0.3, p?

SUBMITTER: Joshi A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7566025 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature