Factors Affecting Pregnancy Complications Among Antenatal Mothers At Mamprobi Hospital

Abstract

Background: The prevalence of maternal mortality continues to be a major health concern across the world. In Ghana, pregnancy related causes of death in the previous 5-years was 12% of all deaths among women 15-49 years. Further assessment of the pregnancy-related deaths showed that more than half of these deaths are as a result of pregnancy-related complications. However, assessment of the pooled prevalence of pregnancy-related complications among pregnant women to inform policy is limited. Objective: This study therefore sought to determine the factors that contribute to pregnancy complications and to assess the knowledge levels of pregnant women on pregnancy-related danger signs. Methods: A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 415 pregnant women who attended antenatal care services at Mamprobi Hospital using a systematic sampling technique. Data analysis was done using STATA v.17.0 and the results presented in percentages and proportions. Regression analysis was conducted to determine the predictors of pregnancy complication at 95% confidence interval. Results of regression analysis is reported in odds ratio. Results: All the targeted women participated in the study giving a response rate of 100%. The study observed a mean age of 31.6 ± 6.6. More than 80% of the women had completed secondary education with 65% being salary workers/employees. More than half of the women were multiparous with nearly 65% starting their ANC at second trimester. Average ANC attendance among the women was 6 ANC visits. Almost all the women (97.5%) had ever heard about obstetric danger signs with 75% of the women having adequate knowledge about maternal and obstetric danger signs. About 52% of the women had ever had abortion in the past. The study observed pregnancy complication prevalence of 51.8%. The prevalence of pregnancy complication among the women was significantly determined by age (AOR: 6.1; CI: 1.19-30.76), past record of pregnancy complications (AOR: 2.5; CI: 1.35-4.49), time of ANC visit (AOR: 6.1; CI: 2.14-17.70) and family history of pregnancy complications (AOR: 3.6; CI: 1.25-10.40). Other significant factors included past record of abortion (AOR: 7.8; CI: 4.21-14.32), knowledge about obstetric danger signs (AOR: 2.4; CI: 1.21-4.88) and experiencing at least one obstetric danger sign during pregnancy (AOR: 6.6; CI: 3.30-13.29). Conclusion: The prevalence of pregnancy complications was comparatively high among the women who utilised ANC services at Mamprobi hospital. Early initiation of antenatal care services for pregnant women is an important tool for addressing some of the challenges of early onset of some pregnancy complication including anaemia in pregnancy and preeclampsia. Midwives as well as other health workers who engage pregnant women should encourage their clients to always initiate antenatal care visits at early stage.