Pregnancy, Childbirth, and Infant Care-related Information-seeking of Pregnant Women Admitted to the Antenatal Wards at Teaching Hospital Mahamodara, Galle

Abstract

Background: Information-seeking plays an effective role in self-care of pregnant mothers and the advancement of their quality of life during pregnancy. Pregnant women need more relevant information about caring themselves, babies and childbirth. Therefore, identifying the information needs of pregnant women is essential to provide relevant and accurate information. Objectives: To evaluate the pregnancy, childbirth, and infant care-related information-seeking of pregnant women admitted to the antenatal wards at Teaching Hospital Mahamodara (THM), Galle, Sri Lanka. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among the pregnant women admitted to antenatal wards at THM, Galle. Data were collected from 420 pregnant women by using a pre-tested, interviewer-administered questionnaire which was developed by the principal investigator. Questionnaire consisted of socio-demographic factors, information needs, sources and barriers of getting information. Data were analysed with descriptive statistics, Chi-square test and independent sample t-test using SPSS version 25.0. Results: Of the participants, 138 (32.9%) indicated that they needed ‘much’ information about pregnancy, childbirth and infant care. Pregnant women needed information mostly regarding new-born care 158 (37.6%), health and protection of the infant 155 (36.9%), growth and development of the infant 148 (35.2%) and breastfeeding 142 (33.8%). About 112 (26.7%) of mothers needed childbirth-related information. The most common information source was family members 354 (84.3%) and most frequently reported barrier was ‘failure to make a distinction between correct and incorrect information’ 113 (26.9%). Gravidity (p<0.001) and the number of children (p<0.001) were significantly associated with the amount of needed information by pregnant women. Conclusions: The information needs of the pregnant women were varied. They need more relevant information regarding pregnancy, childbirth and infant care and mothers need less information when they got experienced with their pregnancies and motherhood. As health care professionals were one of the main information sources, more relevant information should be provided for the pregnant women.