Knowledge on minor discomforts and its self-management among pregnant mothers attending to the selected Antenatal clinics, MOH area, Batticaloa

Abstract

Background: Physiological, anatomical, psychological, biochemical and immunological adaptations occurs in pregnancy and as a result, mother has to face many minor discomforts. The wellbeing of pregnant mothers is threatened due to these minor discomforts which lead to unnecessary hospitalization. Objective: To assess the knowledge level on minor discomforts and its self-management among pregnant mothers attending to selected antenatal clinics, MOH area, Batticaloa. Method: This study was a cross sectional descriptive study, conducted in Puliyantheevu, Manjanthoduvai, Kallady veloor, and Karuveppankerny antenatal clinics (ANC) of MOH area, Batticaloa. All the registered antenatal mothers attending to the selected ANCs were (n=238) included as study samples. The data were collected using an interviewer administered questionnaire and was entered into the SPSS V 20. Descriptive statistic was performed to analyze mean, percentage and other relevant information. Results: Nearly half of the study participants (54.6%) were in the age group of 20–29 years and 62% of the participants were primi mothers. Most of the participants (62.2%) were in their 3rd trimester. Around 93% of them were experienced nausea and vomiting during their pregnancy and among them all were reported nausea and vomiting has been occurred during their 1st trimester. Nearly 41% of participants were experienced backache during their pregnancy. About 75% of them mentioned that home remedies are the best way to manage minor discomforts. The mean knowledge score was 12.16 (± 14.64). Majority of participants (94.1%) scored less than 50% on minor discomforts and its self-management. Knowledge score was significantly associated with participant’s marital status, ethnicity, religion, monthly income, educational level and their parity. Conclusions: The prevalence of minor discomforts among pregnant mothers was high and those can be managed with home remedies. Further, pregnant mothers do not have adequate knowledge regarding minor discomforts and their self-management.