A Study on Knowledge on Antenatal Care among Mothers Admitted in Obstetric Ward in Dhaka Medical College and Hospital
Authors: Kutubi Shahnaz , Haq Md. Reazul 
Published: January 2024

Introduction: Adequate prenatal treatment is crucial to supporting optimal fetal development, appropriate organogenesis, and a robust immune system in the infant. The nutritional status of the mother has a direct effect on both her own health and the health of her child. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study conducted at the Obstetric Ward in Dhaka Medical College and Hospital from January 2019 to April 2019, and a total of 150 admitted mothers from the Obstetric Ward enrolled in this study. The data was collected using a pretested, modified questionnaire. The data was inputted and analyzed using the Statistical Package of Social Science (SPSS) software, specifically version 23.0. The study gained ethical clearance from the Institutional Review Board (IRB) of Dhaka Medical College and Hospital in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Objective: The study aimed to assess the knowledge of antenatal care among mothers admitted to the obstetric ward at Dhaka Medical College and Hospital. Results: According to age distribution, 50%, 41.3%, and 8.7% of the respondents belonged to the age groups of 15–25 years, 26–35 years, and 36–45 years, respectively, with a mean age of 26.47 ± 5.652 years. According to the distribution by family type, the majority of the respondents (66%) belonged to the nuclear family and only 34% were in the joint family. The study revealed that the majority of the respondents (25.3%) education was primary, followed by 20% being SSC, 34.7% being HSC, 7.3% being graduates and only 12.7% being illiterate. According to the distribution by profession, 71.3 percent of respondents were housewives and the rest of them, 28.7%, were in service. According to the distribution by residence, most of the respondents (48.7%) were from finished buildings, 10.7% were from semi-pucca buildings and only 40.7% were from other types of residence. Most respondents (73.3%) used sanitary toilets and only 26.7% used non-sanitary toilets. Most of the respondents (82%) were Muslims, 9.3% were Hindus, 4.7% were Christians, 2.7% were Buddhists, and only 1.3% had other religions. Among the respondents, (32.7%) had antenatal clinics available in their community and 67.3% had no antenatal clinics in their community. The majority of the respondents (66%) received antenatal care during pregnancy and 34% did not receive any antenatal care during pregnancy. Most of the respondents (86%) knew that vaccination was important during pregnancy and 14% had no knowledge of the importance of vaccination during pregnancy. Among the respondents, (48.7%) had knowledge of four ANC visits and 51.3% had two visits. The majority of the respondents (82.7%) had a normal mode of delivery and 17.3% had a cesarean section. The majority of the respondents (86.7%) received ANC in the clinic and 13.3% at home. Most of the respondents (88.7%) were more than 18 years old while getting married and 11.3% were less than 18 years old. Most of the respondents (90%) were 20 years old at the birth of their first baby, while 10% were less than 20 years old. The majority of the respondents (61.3%) babies’ birth weight was more than 2.5 kg at birth and 38.7% of respondents’ babies' birth weight was less than 2.5 kg at birth. The majority of the respondents (85.3%) got information from an NGO or hospital, 66% from TV, 0.7% from radio, 1.3% from print media, 6% from billboards, and 21.3% from family physicians. Finally, this study revealed a statistically significant association between the respondent’s knowledge about the toxemia of pregnancy and the age of the respondents (P = 0.001), as well as a highly significant association between the respondent’s sex and the written protocol for universal precaution. (P=0.000). Conclusion: This study revealed that the level of knowledge of the participants regarding antenatal care was moderate. To improve this situation, there is an urgent need for multi-channel awareness.