Knowledge And Attitudes Regarding Self-Management Among Women Diagnosed With PIH

Background: Pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH), a pregnancy-specific hypertensive disorder, is a significant cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. Insufficient self-management knowledge among women with PIH may compromise effective blood pressure control. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge and attitudes regarding self-management among women diagnosed with PIH. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at the Gynecology Outpatient Department of a tertiary care hospital in Lucknow, India. A purposive sample of 150 pregnant women with a diagnosis of PIH was recruited. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire to assess knowledge and attitudes regarding PIH self-management. Results: The study revealed a significant proportion of participants with moderate (48.7%) or inadequate (45.3%) knowledge of PIH self-care. Only a small percentage (6.0%) demonstrated adequate knowledge. The majority of participants exhibited a neutral attitude (84.0%) towards self-care, with only 16.0% displaying a positive attitude. Statistical analysis demonstrated significant knowledge level and educational attainment, religion, residential location, occupation, gravidity, and primary source of information. Conclusion: This study highlights a substantial deficit in self-care knowledge and a prevalent neutral attitude towards self-care practices among pregnant women diagnosed with PIH. These findings underscore the necessity for targeted educational interventions and awareness campaigns to improve knowledge and promote positive attitudes toward self-care. Enhancing self-care knowledge and attitudes is crucial for potentially mitigating complications and improving maternal and fetal outcomes in pregnancies complicated by PIH/preeclampsia.