KNOWLEDGE OF PREGNANT WOMEN ABOUT THE PERCEIVED EFFECT OF PREGNANCY-INDUCED HYPERTENSION ON FETOMATERNAL OUTCOMES IN SELECTED PRIMARY HEALTH CARE CENTRES IN OGBOMOSHO NORTH, OYO STATE

ABSTRACT This study examined the knowledge of pregnant women about the perceived effect of pregnancy-induced hypertension on fetomaternal outcomes in selected primary healthcare centres in Ogbomosho North as a case study. The general objective of this study is to assess the knowledge of pregnant women in selected primary healthcare centres in Ogbomosho North about the perceived effect of pregnancy-induced hypertension on fetomaternal outcomes. The specific objectives are to assess the knowledge of pregnant women about pregnancy-induced hypertension, examine the perceived causes of PIH among pregnant women, determine the effect of PIH on fetal outcomes, and determine its effects on mothers. The study uses a cross-sectional descriptive survey to assess knowledge of pregnant women on the effects of pregnancy induced hypertension. 130 questionnaires were administered, and 89 were collected and used for analysis. Findings of the study reveal that respondents are aware of pregnancy-induced hypertension (64.0%), causes of pregnancy-induced hypertension are obesity (66.3%), alcohol consumption (61.8%), pre-existing hypertension (62.9%), and multiple pregnancies (41.6%). Fetal complications are intrauterine growth retardation (55.1%), preterm labor (57.3%), regulatory distress syndrome (41.6%), and neonatal death (40.6%). Maternal complications are placental abruption (47.2%), acute renal failure (52.8%), abortion (51.7%), and heart disease (43.8%). The effect of pregnancy-induced hypertension on mothers is that it can cause death or serious illness of pregnant mother if it is not managed (84.3%). It is concluded that respondents have the knowledge of pregnancy-induced hypertension, respondents have the knowledge of the causes of pregnancy-induced hypertension, and its effects on fetus and mother. It is, therefore, recommended that pregnant mothers should be educated about the signs and symptoms of pregnancy-induced hypertension, and what can be done to prevent it, pregnant mothers should also be made to understand the effect of pregnancy-induced hypertension on their unborn baby.