Knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding complications of pregnancy and childbirth among women attending antenatal care in Maridi, South Sudan

Introduction: As South Sudan continues to address the various factors leading to peripartum mortality, the willingness of women to cooperate with steps to reduce maternal mortality is a vital concern. Experts recommend that facility-based delivery is a major factor in reducing peripartum mortality. This study aims to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of pregnant women regarding complications during pregnancy and childbirth in Maridi County Hospital. Method: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study. A questionnaire was administered to 54 women attending antenatal care (ANC) in Maridi County Hospital from the 1st to 5th July 2024 who consented. The questionnaire included both open and close ended questions which provided freedom to the respondents. It was prepared in English and translated into Juba Arabic. Data analysis was done using the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS version 23.0). Results: All respondents had a favourable view of ANC and giving birth in a health facility. 85% had delivered their last child in a hospital or health care centre. Over 90% preferred the services of a midwife to that of a traditional birth attendant (TBA). Health care workers were identified as the major source of information regarding safe deliveries. The reasons for choosing skilled delivery were primarily for the health and safety of the mother and child. The major barriers to utilising skilled delivery were practical—distance, money, and transportation. Although 85% acknowledged that traditional and cultural pressures had negative effects on many women, they had little effect on the responders. While 38 responders considered attending ANC was the best means of ensuring a safe delivery, only 12 chose hospital delivery. Conclusion: Despite the bias in data collection as all the responders were attendees at the ANC, the respondents showed more confidence in the medical system than in traditional methods, a great opportunity for increasing awareness of the potential dangers during delivery.