Assessment of Knowledge and Practices on Hypertension in Pregnancy among Pregnant Women at Hoima Regional Referral Hospital, Hoima District- Western Uganda 2022

Chemutai Tom Ngania

Faculty of Clinical Medicine and Dentistry, Kampala International University Uganda

ABSTRACT

This study aims to evaluate knowledge and practices on hypertension during pregnancy among pregnant women at Hoima Regional Referral Hospital’s (HRRH) antenatal clinic and maternity ward. The study used a cross-sectional design with both qualitative and quantitative approaches. The study population included pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic and maternity ward, as well as those who consented and completed the questionnaire. The study uses a simple random sampling technique to reduce bias and ensure credibility. Both electronic and non-electronic data are stored with codes to enhance confidentiality. Data analysis involved categorizing, organizing, manipulating, and summarizing data to answer research questions. The study revealed that 50% of pregnant women in HRRH had never heard of hypertension during pregnancy. Stress was found to be the most common cause of hypertension during pregnancy, but not the primary cause. 31% of pregnant women had poor knowledge on signs and symptoms of hypertension, such as headaches, nausea, and vomiting. Over half of the respondents did routine medical checkups. 47% did not attend antenatal care every month, while 32% did not go for routine checkups. Majority of respondents, were below secondary level of education. Recommendations include strengthening health education activities, emphasizing early recognition and readiness for better management of pregnancy-induced hypertension, taking antenatal care seriously, encouraging hospital deliveries, and increasing awareness through hospital and community education programs.

Key words: Pregnancy, Hypertension, Ante-natal, Maternity, Knowledge

CITE AS: Chemutai Tom Ngania (2024). Assessment of Knowledge and Practices on Hypertension in Pregnancy among Pregnant Women at Hoima Regional Referral Hospital, Hoima District-Western Uganda 2022. RESEARCH INVENTION JOURNAL OF RESEARCH IN MEDICAL SCIENCES 3(2):6-15.