Knowledge, attitude and behavior on ectopic pregnancy of married women in Chi Linh, Hai Duong

ABSTRACT

Background: The incidence of Ectopic Pregnancy (EP) is increasing worldwide, especially in developing countries. It is among main causes of morbidity and mortality in childbearing women. The EP incidence in Chi Linh district, Hai Duong province is about 0.22%. Objectives: To identify the knowledge, attitude and practice of married women for EP in Chi Linh district and propose interventions to improve the early diagnosis of EP. Subjects and method: The cross-sectional study was conducted in 2005, combined questionnaires-based interviews to in-depth interviews and focal group discussion. Results: A total of 998 women participated in the study. Most of them were in 25-34 and 35-44 years old age groups (35.0%). 45.8% have never had surgical abortions and 27.4% has had a surgical abortion at least once. Most of the participants knew only one sign of abnormal pregnancy (abdominal pain 42.0%, nausea 41.5% and vaginal hemorrhage 19.2%). About 2/3 of participants have never heard of EP and bout 2/3 of them considered it as a serious problem. 42.5% of women did not know any sign of EP. 76% did not know about the risk factors of EP. Main information source on EP came from friends (49.6%), television (15.2%), publications (10.8%) and health workers (5.9%).The usage of quick test for pregnancy was not common. Conclusion: Predisposing factors showed that the married women and health workers were aware of the need for early prenatal examination and the dangers of EP. The enabling factors showed that some impacts are needed to improve the knowledge of health workers con prenatal examination and counseling. Reinforcing factors showed that the extensive introduction of available health service is needed to improve the access of local women.