Knowledge, Preventive Measures,and Barriers to Prevention of Preeclampsia among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinic in Selected Health Facilities in Ibadan, Oyo State

Abstract

American College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (ACOG) cited in Meazaw et al
(2020) defined preeclampsia as the presence of hypertention and proteinuria greater than
or equal to 140mmHg/90mmHg or in the absence of proteinuria, new onset hypertention
or new onset of any of the following; thrombocytopenia, renal insufficiency, impaired liver
function, pulmonary oedema, and unexplained new onset of headache that is unresponsive
to medication or visual symptoms. It occurs in pregnancy and post-partum period causing
complications to both mother and foetus (Eze et al, 2018). World Health Organization
(WHO), cited in Yushida and Zahara (2020) estimated that 70,000 maternal deaths
worldwide occur due to preeclampsia. It was also estimated to cause 50,000 to 60,000
maternal deaths and 500,000 infant deaths yearly (Joshi, et al, 2020). In Africa, up to 18%
of deliveries are complicated by severe preeclampsia and eclampsia. (Adekanmi et al,
2019). Despite being a preventable cause of maternal mortality, preeclampsia continues to
contribute disproportionately to poor pregnancy outcomes in Nigeria, among many African
and under-developed countries. In Ibadan, Oyo State Nigeria, study conducted by Okhae
and Arulogun (2017) at Adeoyo Maternity Teaching Hospital, Yemetu, being one of the
major hospitals preferred by the pregnant women identifies a below average in level of
awareness but good knowledge among those who are aware about preeclampsia.