ABSTRACT
Objective: Aim of this study was to access of awareness, existing knowledge and practices related to the utilization of ANC and service, among the women of suburban areas of the city of Karachi
Methods: A cross-sectional study of all booked pregnant women, attending the antenatal booking clinic and came for follow-up, at Korangi Industrial Area of Karachi, Jinnah Medical college hospital, Karachi were included. This institutional based study was done from 1st October 2014 to 1st March 2015 by means of a questionnaire. Using SPSS-20 statistical analysis was done. Chi-square test was used where appropriate and p<0.05 was considered significant. Institutional ethical approval was taken and informed consent from the patients included in the study
Results: A total no of pregnant women [n=662] were interviewed, while only 78 [11.8%] were reported timely visited. Parameters like younger age [p<0.0001], formale ducation of women [p<0.0001], education of husband [p<0.0001], wealth index [p<0.000], previous experience of care [p<0.0001] and planned pregnancies [p<0.039] were incorporated in the study. As these parameters, were considered basic and related with more positive attitude towards ANC
Conclusion: Our study shows that the timely utilization of ANC services was very low. There is need for enhancing awareness about the importance of early initiation and utilization of maternal care services
ABSTRACT
Early marriage and subsequent pregnancy is desired in Pakistan and is generally considered a blessing but it also carries some risks to the mother and resultant product. To determine the frequency of teenage pregnancy and complications it imposes on teenage mother when compared with non teenage mothers. It is a descriptive comparative study. A review of hospital record from 1st January 2008 to 31st December 2008 was carried out to compare the obstetric complications in 212 teenage pregnant mothers with that of 4052 non teenage mothers [Mothers =20 years of age] Prevalence of teenage pregnancy was 4.97% of the total pregnancies occurring at Sobhraj Maternity Hospital during the study period. 73.11% of all teenage mothers were primigravida and 48. 58% followed the proper antenatal care. Teenage pregnant mothers had significantly increased incidence of anemia, preterm labor, pregnancy induced hypertension, pre-eclampsia and decreased incidence of glucose tolerance as compared to non teenage mothers. Risks of ante partum hemorrhage [APH], post partum hemorrhage [PPH] and placenta previa were found similar in the two groups. The results indicated that the risks of complications of pregnancy like anemia, preterm labor, pregnancy induced hypertension and pre eclampsia were more in teenage pregnant mothers. This requires increased need of Pakistani communities to review and consider the correct age marriage, so that the health of pregnant mothers can be protected. A healthy mother is necessary to bring up a healthy child