Relationship between knowledge of complications and health seeking behaviour among pregnant women with pregnancy induced hypertension aged 18 to 28 years at Chitungwiza Central Hospital

Abstract

Pregnancy induced hypertension is a serious pregnancy complication associated with fatal complications on the mother and baby. The purpose of this descriptive correlational study was to describe and examine the relationship between knowledge of PIH complications and health seeking behaviour among pregnant women with PIH complications aged 18 to 28 years at Chitungwiza Central Hospital.. A convenient sample of 80 pregnant women were interviewed using an instrument comprising the demographic questionnaire, Health Seeking Behaviour questionnaire and Knowledge of PIH complications questionnaire. A Health Belief Model was used to guide the study. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlational, coefficient test and simple regression.

Study findings indicated that 65 (81,3%) subjects scored above 50% revealing good knowledge of PIH complications. Seventy-two (90%)scored 18-34 revealing bad health seeking behaviour. Data analysis indicated that knowledge of PIH complications and health seeking behaviour were positively correlated and significant (r = .319, p = < .01). Convulsions, headache, generalized oedema, reduced urine output and blurred vision were attributed to bad airs/evil spirits hence faith healers were consulted first before coming to hospital. Simple regression analysis R2 = .102 (F = 8.844. p = < .01) explains 10% variance in Health Seeking behaviour. Major recommendations are that there should be a public awareness on signs and symptoms of PIH complications such as uncontrolled bleeding of sudden onset, facial twitching, confusion and reduced urine output and education stressing the importance of reporting to hospital quickly on observing PIH complications. Use of Rosenstock Health Belief Model assisted in identifying the health seeking behaviours of pregnant women with PIH complications aged18-28.