Women’s Knowledge regarding Postpartum Warning Signs

Abstract

Aim of the study: The aim of the study was to assess women’s knowledge regarding postpartum warning signs. Subjects and Methods: This was a descriptive study which was conducted among (350) postpartum women attending the inpatient units in Ain Shams maternity university hospital. From of December 2017 to May 2018. Data collection tools were a 'Structured Interviewing questionnaire and A Likert scale. Result: The present study showed that nearly half of all postpartum women recognize postpartum warning signs. The majority of postpartum women had incorrect knowledge regarding importance of detecting postpartum warning signs. Furthermore it was concluded that, very poor knowledge of postpartum women associated with socio demographic characteristics and obstetrical& delivery history such as age, family income level, Residence and women’s educational level, also Primipara women and had current complication. In addition to, there was no significant relationship between women’s knowledge regarding postpartum warning signs and their age and marital status, while there is highly statistical significance difference between women’s level of knowledge and their residence, family income level, women job and women’s educational level. Conclusion: The present study findings revealed that the majority of women had incorrect knowledge regarding the following postpartum warning signs; Excess uterine bleeding (Lochia), perineal pain, breast pain, Offensive odor and abnormal vital signs (especially high blood pressure). Moreover, Women’s educational level, Residence, family income level, being multiparous and place of delivery found to be significantly associated with women’s knowledge of postpartum warning signs. Recommendations: Activating the role of maternity and community health nurse in branches of obstetrics and postnatal follow up clinics to enhance postpartum women knowledge regarding postpartum warning signs.