Knowledge of Eclampsia among Pregnant Women Attending a Tertiary Antenatal Clinic in Ikenne LGA, Ogun State, Nigeria

Background: Eclampsia is a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy; it is major global health problem and a common medical complication of pregnancy among pregnant women residing in low and middle income countries. It is the development of convulsions and or coma that is not related to other cerebral conditions during pregnancy or in the postpartum period in women with signs and symptoms of preeclampsia. It is responsible for the majority of poor maternal and fetal outcomes globally. In many developing countries such as Nigeria, eclampsia remains a significant contributor to adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes despite all measures to reduce its incidence and impact.

Aim: The aim of the study was to assess the knowledge of eclampsia among pregnant women attending a tertiary antenatal clinic in Ikenne Remo, Ogun state, Nigeria.

Study Design: Quantitative cross-sectional descriptive survey design.

Methodology: Ninety four (94) pregnant women attending antenatal clinic at a tertiary hospital in Ikenne Remo, Ogun state participated in the study. The level of knowledge was assessed by administering a quantitative instrument developed in a structured close ended questionnaire form. The questionnaire had two (2) sections; Section A: Socio demographic and Section B: Knowledge.

Results: Findings indicated that majority of the pregnant women, 41.5% had fair level of knowledge of eclampsia while 33% had high level of knowledge and 25.5% had poor level of knowledge of eclampsia. The study identified that age, religion, ethnicity and parity were significantly related with level of knowledge of the pregnant women while educational level of the pregnant women wasn’t significantly related with their level of knowledge about eclampsia.

Conclusion: The study illustrates that knowledge of eclampsia are limited among pregnant women attending a tertiary antenatal clinic in Ogun state, Nigeria; there are gaps in knowledge regarding the causes, danger signs and risk factors of the condition. Therefore, health care providers should be equipped with appropriate skills and relevant materials to provide proper prenatal education and sensitization to improve maternal and perinatal health.