International journal of women's health
Knowledge of Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy and Associated Factors Among Antenatal-Care Attendees in Mbarara City, Southwestern Uganda: A Cross-Sectional Study
By Lugobe HM, Migisha R, Wilkinson IB and 8 others.
Abstract
Background
Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) are important contributors to maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality in sub-Saharan Africa. Women's knowledge of warning signs, risk factors, diagnosis, and prevention may support earlier care-seeking and timely diagnosis, yet data from primary-level antenatal-care settings in Uganda remain limited. We assessed knowledge of HDP and associated factors among antenatal-care attendees in Mbarara City, southwestern Uganda.
Methods
We conducted a cross-sectional study among pregnant women attending their third or later antenatal-care visit at six public health facilities in Mbarara City between January and March 2025. Participants were recruited by consecutive sampling. Knowledge was assessed using 41 scored knowledge items covering awareness, disease manifestations, risk factors, diagnosis, management, prevention, complications, and blood-pressure monitoring. Scores were expressed as percentages of correct responses; adequate knowledge was defined as ≥60%. Multivariable modified Poisson regression was used to estimate adjusted prevalence ratios.