A Cross-Sectional Study on Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Regarding Fetal Distress Among Pregnant Women

Background: This study focuses on fetal distress, a condition associated with long-term health risks such as diabetes and heart disease. It highlights the crucial role of early detection and management, particularly through improving the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of pregnant women. This research aims to assess the KAP regarding fetal distress among pregnant women at a tertiary care hospital in China, with the goal of informing future prevention programs and health education strategies. Methods: This cross-sectional study utilized a custom-designed questionnaire focused on the KAP related to fetal intrauterine distress. The survey targeted pregnant women attending prenatal consultations at a specific hospital in China. Influential factors affecting maternal KAP levels toward preventing fetal intrauterine distress were identified through multiple linear regression analysis. Results: Out of the 502 questionnaires distributed, all were effectively retrieved, resulting in a 100% response rate. The average knowledge score for fetal distress prevention was 5.00 (2.00). The average attitude score toward fetal distress was 42.00 (8.00), whereas the average behavioral score for prevention was 34.00 (8.00). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed planned pregnancy, educational attainment, and monthly household income per capita were pivotal determinants influencing pregnant women’s KAP toward preventing fetal distress (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Although pregnant women generally adopt a proactive approach to preventing fetal intrauterine distress, limited knowledge hinders the application of this awareness. Key factors, including pregnancy planning, education, and income, significantly affect KAP related to fetal distress prevention, highlighting the need for targeted perinatal education to reduce its incidence.