KAP study on awareness of warning signs and complications of gestational thrombocytopenia among antenatal women

Abstract

Background:

Gestational thrombocytopenia (GT) is the most common hematological complication observed during pregnancy and is often overlooked due to the lack of any symptoms. Early recognition of prodromic symptoms like bruising, petechiae, headache, visual disturbances, and epigastric pain is critical in order to avoid complications; however, lack of information among antenatal mothers is observed. Despite being well-documented in clinical studies, the scarcity of information on knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding gestational thrombocytopenia and its complications in Indian antenatal populations has been identified. The objective of this research was to analyze KAP dimensions pertaining to prodromic symptoms and complications of gestational thrombocytopenia among antenatal patients reporting to the tertiary care center in Tamil Nadu.

Methods:

A hospital-based cross-sectional study was performed for a period of three months on 150 pregnant women attending antenatal care, chosen by consecutive sampling. A pre-validated questionnaire probed for socio-demographic details and KAP scores related to GT. Interviews were conducted face-to-face and data analyzed with the use of Microsoft Excel. Descriptive statistical analysis resulted in the estimation of levels of KAP, and Chi-square tests explored correlations between socio-demographic and knowledge levels. Multivariate logistic regression analysis determined independent predictors for good knowledge levels. Ethical approval and consent were sought.

Results:

Only 25.3% of women showed good knowledge of GT, whereas 42.7% had fair and 32.0% had poor knowledge of GT. A positive attitude was found to exist among 48.0% of respondents, and 54% of the respondents showed good practices to prevent and control GT. Education and Parity were found to be predictors for good knowledge of GT in multivariate analysis; women who had <8th Standard education had lower odds of good knowledge of GT (aOR=0.28, p=0.021), primigravida women had higher odds of good knowledge of GT than multigravida groups (aOR=1.12, p=0.031). Associations between knowledge and attitude were found to be highly significant (χ²=26.39, p < 0.001) and also between knowledge and practices (χ²=26.73, p < 0.001). Practices had improved significantly with higher knowledge levels, highlighting that awareness firmly determined timely care-seeking.

Conclusion:

The results have shown a dearth of GT awareness among antenatal attendees, and a considerable gap exists in knowledge, attitude, and practice. Education and parity were found to be the most significant factors influencing knowledge. The results underscore the imperative need for literacy and trimester-specific interventions in the antenatal setting for better identification of GT danger signs.