Abstract

Background: Hypertension is one of the common complications and contributes significantly to maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. Pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) is defined as sustained increased level of blood pressure >140/90 after the 20th week of pregnancy.

Objective: The aim of this study is to assess the presence of contributing factors of PIH and effectiveness of structured teaching program (STP) on the management of PIH and birth preparedness.

Materials and Methods: Quantitative research approach with one group pre-test–post-test design was used to carry out the study. A total of 60 antenatal mothers with PIH were selected by non-probability convenient sampling technique. Demographic performa, questionnaire to assess the risk factors, and structured knowledge questionnaire were used to collect the data. Data were collected by interview method.

Results: The contributing factors of PIH identified in the study were age (26-30), period of gestation of more than 28 weeks, primigravida, vegetarian, and body mass index (BMI) more than 25. The mean pre-test knowledge score was 14.36 ± 3.46, and post-test knowledge score was 24.63 ± 3.42. The post-test mean knowledge score was found significantly higher than the mean pre-test knowledge score. There was no significant association found between the demographic variables with knowledge level and contributing factors except the factors gestational age, gravida, and BMI.

Conclusion: The findings of the study revealed that STP was effective in enhancing the knowledge of antenatal mothers with PIH.

Key words: Antenatal Mothers; Birth Preparedness; Contributing Factors; Knowledge; Planned Teaching Program; Pregnancy-induced Hypertension