ABSTRACT

Background: Pre-term birth is a major challenge for maternal and perinatal care worldwide and a leading cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality. Children born prematurely have higher rate of motor disabilities, cerebral palsy, sensory deficits and respiratory illnesses compared to children born at term. These negative health and developmental effects of premature birth often extend to later life, resulting in enormous medical, educational, psychological, and social cost. The main objectives of this study was to asses pregnant women’s knowledge on the cause, prevention & consequences of pre-term birth at the Buea regional hospital (Cameroon).

Method: A descriptive cross sectional hospital base design using quantitative methods for data collection was used and data was collected using a pretested semi-structure questionnaire addressed to 73 conveniently sampled pregnant women attending antenatal clinic at the Buea Regional Hospital. Data was analysed using Microsoft Excel 2013 and presented on tables and figures in frequencies and percentages.

Results: Of the 73 participant 34 (46.6%) were aged between 21-30years old while 41(56.2%) had been pregnant 3-5 times. With regards to the cause of preterm birth, 44(60.3%) said history of preterm birth was a risk factor while 55(75.3%) said multiple pregnancy (twins, triplet) can cause preterm birth. With regards to their knowledge on the prevention of preterm birth, 57(74%) of the participant said early and regular antenatal clinic help prevent preterm birth, while 55(75.3%) said early diagnosis and treatment of infection help in the preventing preterm birth, With regards to the consequences of preterm birth 40(54.8%) said babies born premature are at high risk of being infected while 43(59%) said mothers who give birth to premature are at high risk of bleeding after delivery.

Conclusion: The study revealed that the majority of the women had good knowledge on the cause/risk factors and prevention of preterm birth, but had poor knowledge on the consequences of preterm birth to the mother and also the percentage of pregnant women that did not have adequate knowledge expressed the need for them to be educated. Base on the findings recommendation such as health facilities should encourage pregnant women to attend antenatal clinic, charts and posters should be place in the hospital showing the disadvantage of premature birth and possible consequence were made.