DOI: 10.4103/jehp.jehp_75_26 ISSN: 2277-9531

Assessment of knowledge and attitudes of pregnant women toward pregnancy-related risk factors in Mosul City, Iraq

Shukur A. Mahmood, Ehab Mohammed Shakir, Nadia A. Jamal, Fahad M. Mohammed Taqi, Atheer A. Rashad, Nasir M. Younis
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BACKGROUND:

Reducing negative pregnancy outcomes depends on maternal knowledge of pregnancy-related risk factors. Developing efficient maternal health interventions in post-conflict Mosul, Iraq, where the healthcare system has been significantly compromised, will depend on assessing pregnant women’s knowledge and attitudes regarding pregnancy risks. This study sought to evaluate knowledge and attitudes about pregnancy-related risk factors among pregnant women in Mosul City, Iraq, as well as to identify the socio-demographic factors influencing this knowledge.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

A cross-sectional study was conducted from January to April 2024 in Mosul City, Iraq. From January to April 2024, 420 pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in Mosul participated. Socio-demographic information was gathered using a standardized questionnaire; knowledge and attitudes regarding pregnancy risk factors were also evaluated using this tool. Knowledge scores were calculated and analyzed in relation to demographic variables using appropriate statistical tests.

RESULTS:

The mean knowledge score was 15.63 ± 5.72 out of a possible 30 points, indicating moderate knowledge levels. Only 23.8% of participants demonstrated good knowledge. Higher knowledge scores were significantly associated with higher education level ( P < 0.001), urban residence ( P = 0.003), higher income ( P = 0.001), and receiving antenatal care in private facilities ( P = 0.002). Most women recognized risks associated with hypertension (76.4%) and diabetes (72.9%), but fewer recognized the significance of fetal movement changes (42.3%) and vaginal bleeding (53.1%). While 87.3% of participants had positive attitudes toward seeking medical care for complications, 47.6% held misconceptions about culturally rooted risk factors, such as dietary taboos and traditional remedies.

CONCLUSION:

Pregnant women in Mosul demonstrated moderate knowledge of pregnancy-related risk factors with significant educational and socioeconomic disparities.

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