Knowledge of obesity related pregnancy risks among expectant mothers and its associated factors

ABSTRACT

Background: Obesity in pregnancy causes both maternaland foetal complications hence adequate knowledge ofobesity related pregnancy risks would ensure betteroutcomes. This study aims to determine the knowledge ofobesity related pregnancy risks among pregnant women.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted amongpregnant women from four antenatal clinics in Seremban,between February and May 2015. Knowledge on pregnancyrisks was assessed using questionnaire. Women weredefined as having broad knowledge on obesity relatedpregnancy risks if they correctly identified that women whoare very obese, are at higher risk of obesity relatedpregnancy complications and weight loss prior topregnancy is associated with lower risk of obesity relatedpregnancy complications. Descriptive statistics andregression tests were used in the analysis.Results: A total of 315 women participated in this study.Their mean age is 29.3 (SD±4.8) years and majority wereMalay (72.4%). More than half of them were overweight andobese (60.6%). About 63.2% participants had broadknowledge on obesity related pregnancy risk. Education is asignificant predictor of broad knowledge as women withtertiary education had higher odds of having broadknowledge compared to those with only school education(OR 2.1; 95%CI 1.28 to 3.59).Conclusions: This study found that more than half of theparticipants had knowledge of obesity related pregnancyrisks and that education is a significant predictor forknowledge. Pre-pregnancy care education programmes canhelp identify barriers, introduce simple weight managementstrategies to overcome obesity, to ensure better maternaland foetal outcome: