Perception of Pregnant Women Regarding Self Care Measures during Postpartum Period

Ellpody, Eman Abd-Elkarim; Elagamy, Mona Abd-Elhaleem; Gaheen, Manal Abd-Allah; Ahmed, Manal Hassan

doi:10.21608/tsnj.2023.298502

Perception of Pregnant Women Regarding Self Care Measures during Postpartum Period

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Demonstrator of Maternal and Neonatal Health Nursing Department, Faculty of Nursing, Tanta University, Egypt.

² Lecture of Maternal and Neonatal Health Nursing Department, Faculty of Nursing, Tanta University, Egypt.

³ Professor of Maternal and Neonatal Health Nursing Department, Faculty of Nursing, Tanta University, Egypt.

10.21608/tsnj.2023.298502

Abstract

Postnatal care is one of the most important maternal health care for prevention of maternal
impairment and disabilities. So, there is an urgent need to increase women's knowledge
regarding self-care measures during postpartum period. Aim: The present study aimed to
assess the perception of pregnant women regarding self-care measures during postpartum
period. Subjects and method: - Design: A descriptive study design was used. Setting: The
study was conducted at the antepartum unit in obstetric and gynecological department at
Tanta University Hospital. Subjects: A purposive sample of 250 pregnant women was
included in the study. Tools: three tools were used for collection of data. Tool (I):
Structured interview schedule: It included: Part (a): Socio-demographic characteristics and
part (b): Obstetric history. Tool (II): Women’s knowledge regarding self-care measures
during postpartum period. Tool (III): Women's attitude regarding self-care measures during
postpartum period. Results: Slightly more than one half of women (51.6%) had poor level of
knowledge, slightly less than one third of women (32.4%) had fair level of knowledge, and
(16%) had good level of knowledge regarding self-care measures during postpartum period.
Additionally, the majority of women (93.2%) had positive attitudes regarding self-care
measures during postpartum period. Conclusion: There was poor knowledge, while there was
positive attitudes regarding self-care measures during postpartum period among pregnant
women. Recommendations: Planning and developing antenatal classes for all pregnant
women especially during the last trimester to improve their perception, and increase their
awareness and enhance their practice regarding routine self-care during postnatal period.