Assessment of Knowledge, Practice and Attitude of Pregnant Women for Effect of Calcium during Pregnancy

Abstract

Background: Maternal calcium absorption increases significantly during the second and third trimesters. This increase in calcium absorption is directly related to maternal calcium intake if found defect in calcium level during pregnancy that causes many problem for mother and fetal. This study Aimed to: assess the knowledge, practice and attitude of pregnant women about effect, deficiency of calcium during pregnancy. Subjects and Methods: A descriptive design the study was conducted at both in outpatient clinic for pregnant women, in obstetrics and gynecology department at Benha university hospital. The study included 300 pregnant women by systematic random sample. Tools: (I) An interviewing questionnaire sheet was done constructed by researcher, tool (II) Modified liker scale to assessment the attitude Result: highly statistical significant relation between their total knowledge score and their personal characteristics. No statistical significant relation between their total practice score and their personal characteristics. No statistical significant relation between his total attitude score and their occupational status, educational level and social level. Conclusion low level of knowledge about important of calcium for fetus, Poor practice toward calcium intake and decrease practice for activity daily living, calcium supplementation Recommendations: Health educational, Programs regarding nutritional, in the future calcium supplements should be give free