AWARENESS OF OBSTETRIC DANGER SIGNS AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN ATTENDING OUTPATIENT DEPARTMENT OF HAYATABAD MEDICAL COMPLEX, PESHAWAR

Background Maternal mortality continues to pose a grave challenge in Pakistan, especially in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa despite ongoing efforts. Timely recognition of obstetric danger signs is key to reducing such deaths, yet local data on awareness levels among pregnant women are lacking. Objective: This study evaluated awareness of obstetric danger signs and associated factors among pregnant women attending the outpatient department of Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar. Methods: A cross sectional study was carried at HMC from April to December 2024. Using systematic random sampling, 427 pregnant women were enrolled. Data were collected through a structured, interviewer administered questionnaire in Urdu and Pashto, assessing socio-demographic factors, obstetric history, knowledge of danger signs, and sources of information. Awareness was graded as good, fair , or poor based on recall. Statistical analyses included chi-square tests and multivariable logistic regression to identify predictors of good awareness. Results: Only 19.2% of women demonstrated good awareness (≥4 recalled signs), while 38.4% could not name any danger sign. The most recognized signs were severe vaginal bleeding (42.2%) and heavy postpartum bleeding (26.5%), with poor recall for convulsions and foul smelling discharge. Higher education, four or more antenatal visits, urban residence, history of obstetric complications, and counseling by healthcare providers were independently associated with good awareness. Conclusion: Awareness of obstetric danger signs among pregnant women at HMC, Peshawar, is insufficient. Focused interventions especially educational strategies integrated into antenatal care are urgently needed to enhance recognition of life threatening complications and promote timely healthcare seeking, ultimately reducing maternal morbidity and mortality.