Search

Introduction: Knowledge of obstetric danger signs among pregnant women is of paramount importance in improving maternal and fetal health outcomes. This study aims to determine the knowledge of danger signs among pregnant women seeking antenatal care in a tertiary care hospital. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out for two months among pregnant women who visited the antenatal clinic of a teaching hospital. A pre-tested and pre-designed proforma was used. Mean knowledge scores were computed and knowledge was classified into adequate and inadequate. Results: A total of 170 pregnant women fulfilling the inclusion criteria were included. Mean age of the study participants was found to be 26.40±4.14 years. Nearly 67.10% were aware of bleeding per vagina being a danger sign, 50.0% stated excessive vomiting as a danger sign, 23.50% knew that blurring of vision was a danger, while a mere 20.0% reported that convulsions were a danger sign. Overall, adequate knowledge (total knowledge score of 5 and above) was observed in 54.70% of the participants. Conclusion: Majority of the study participants had adequate knowledge of danger signs in pregnancy. However,, when knowledge about specific individual danger signs were further assessed, a high proportion had poor knowledge. The mean knowledge scores were found to be low.

Introduction: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) contribute to 65% of all the deaths and 80% of these are in developing countries. Medical colleges have a large workforce with risk for NCDs similar to general population. Methodology: A cross-sectional survey among the 65 of 88 non-teaching staff members of the medical college was done to screen for NCDs using WHO STEPS with necessary modifications. This was done as part of student research project through regular undergraduate curriculum where the undergraduate medical students are taught basic research skills. Results: There were six self-reported diabetics and five self-reported hypertensives. Risk factors such as high salt intake (77%), high waist-hip ratio (15% women), and overweight (22%) were detected. Conclusion: The exercise gave an opportunity for screening and spreading awareness for health promotion and risk reduction for NCDs.