Factors Affecting Health Seeking Behavior among Pregnant Women in rural Areas

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Nursing Specealist at quellien specialist Hospital, Bachelor of Nursing, Assiut University.

2 Assist. Professor of Maternal and Neonatal Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Tanta University, Egypt.

Abstract

Background The practice of health seeking behavior has many potential effects on reduction of the occurrence of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to explore factors affecting health seeking behavior among pregnant women in rural areas. Design: A descriptive exploratory research design was used. Subjects and method: The study was carried out at 5 outpatient clinics of obstetric departments in Tanta University Hospital, ElMenshawy General Hospital, El-Mabara Hospital, Sager Maternal and Child Health centers and Rural health unit in Syperpay. A convenience sample of 250 pregnant women, who were living in rural areas were selected from the previously mentioned settings. Tools: Four tools were used for collection of data. Tool (I) Structured interview schedule It included Part a Sociodemographic data, part b reproductive history and part c health service characteristics assessment tool. Tool (II) Pregnant women's knowledge regarding antenatal care. Tool (III) Attitudes towards pregnancy scale. Tool (IV) Health seeking behavior assessment tool. Results: The majority of studied pregnant women had satisfactory HSB, nearly half of them had moderate level of knowledge regarding ANC also, less than half of them had positive attitudes toward pregnancy. Conclusion: In the current study a significant positive relationship was found between HSB among studied pregnant women and pregnant women's knowledge regarding ANC also, women's attitudes towards pregnancy with a statistically significant relationship. Recommendations: More researches to determine the factors affecting health seeking behavior should be done in different areas.