Abstract:
Introduction: Obstetric danger signs are trouble that faces any mothers duringpregnancy,
labor and postpartum period. In 2019, approximately, 99% of the global maternal
deaths occurred in developing countries with the majority of these deathsoccurring in sub Saharan Africa where the majority of women lack knowledge about obstetric danger
sign. In Ethiopia, the mothers’ knowledge level of pregnancy dangersigns ranges from
13% to 82.5%.This poor knowledge on danger signs of pregnancy causes unexpected
outcome to the mother and unborn baby or the pregnancy itself thiscan lead to neonatal
morbidity and mortality, termination of pregnancy before term.
Objective: To assess the level of knowledge of obstetric danger signs and its associated
factors among women attending antenatal care service at Akaki district health centers,
Oromia, Ethiopia, 2024.
Method: An Institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 413 pregnant
women’s selected by systematic random sampling technique among four health centers
from 21 August 2024 up to 21 September 2024. The data were collected by using face to face
interviewer administered questionnaires. The descriptive part was presented using narration,
in tables and figures. A binary logistic regression statistical analysis was used to identify
potential candidate variables (p<0.25) for multivariable logistic regression analysis to control
potential confounding variables; the regression result was presented using AOR with 95%
CI and p value less than 0.05 as level of significance
Result: Out of 413 pregnant mothers 409 were participated in the study with response rate of
(99%). The overall good knowledge on obstetric danger sign was 52.6%, 95%CI (47.4%,
57.7%). Age of women(>=30 years) AOR=0.37, 95%CI (0.15, 0.93), Educational status of
women(secondary and above) AOR=1.89,95%CI:(1.02,3.54),Residence (urban)
AOR=3.23,95%CI(1.42,7.32), Distance of Health institution from house(being near)
AOR=4.02,95%CI(2.34,6.89), Parity (being multipara and grand multipara)
AOR=3.89,95%CI(1.95,7.77), and Health extension visit AOR=1.89,95%CI(1.14,3.14),
were factors which had statistical association with knowledge about obstetric danger sign.
Conclusion and Recommendation: The finding this of study revealed overall knowledge on
obstetric danger sign was not satisfactory. Age >=30 years, secondary and above level of
education, urban residence, being near to health institution, being multipara and grand
multipara) and Health extension visit, were factors which had statistical association with
knowledge about obstetric danger sign. So that Akaki district and each health centers
manager and staff should give attention on factors that affect knowledge about obstetric
danger sign.
