Nurturing the Nurturers: How Knowledgeable are Primigravida about Self-Care Practices? A Cross-sectional Study from a Tertiary Care Hospital in Gujarat, India
Rutam Vaishnav *
Pramukhswami Medical College, Bhaikaka University, Karamsad, Gujarat, India.
Sakina Makati
Pramukhswami Medical College, Bhaikaka University, Karamsad, Gujarat, India.
Rushil Desai
Pramukhswami Medical College, Bhaikaka University, Karamsad, Gujarat, India.
Priyal Shah
Pramukhswami Medical College, Bhaikaka University, Karamsad, Gujarat, India.
Ratnam Patel
Pramukhswami Medical College, Bhaikaka University, Karamsad, Gujarat, India.
Smruti Vaishnav
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Pramukhswami Medical College, Bhaikaka University, Karamsad, Gujarat, India.
Jaishree Ganjiwale
Department of Central Research Services and Department of Community Medicine, Pramukhswami Medical College, Bhaikaka University, Karamsad, Gujarat, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Study Background: Self-care during pregnancy is essential for maternal and fetal health. Primigravida women may have limited knowledge, affecting feto-maternal well-being. This study, part of the Problem Solving for Better Health initiative, assesses their awareness in a tertiary care setting.
Objective: To evaluate the knowledge of self-care practices among primigravida women.
Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 147 primigravida women visiting inpatient and outpatient obstetric facilities. A structured questionnaire assessed knowledge of preconception care, antenatal care, danger signs, self-regulations, nutrition, and postnatal care.
Study Findings: The mean age was 24.93 years (SD = 4.071), with 63.9 percent from rural areas and 63.2 percent from joint families. Among participants, 15 (10.20%) had sufficient knowledge, 122(82.99%) had partial knowledge, and 10 (6.8%) had insufficient knowledge. While 61% knew about preconception planning and 72% about antenatal care, knowledge was lower for nutrition (47.75%), self-regulation (43.25%), danger signs (48.33%), and postnatal care (40.75%).
Conclusions: Significant gaps exist in self-care knowledge among primigravida women, particularly in nutrition, self-regulation, assessment of danger signs and postnatal care. Targeted educational interventions are needed to improve awareness and maternal health outcomes. Future research should assess the effectiveness of such interventions.
Keywords: Self-care practices, primigravida, knowledge, health-education