Self-Protective Behaviors among Pregnant Women regarding Spontaneous Abortion

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 1 Master student of Maternal and Neonatal Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Tanta University, Egypt. 2 Demonstrator of Maternal and Neonatal Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Tanta University, Egypt.

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

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

4 Assisst.Prof of Maternal and Neonatal Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Tanta University, Egypt.

Abstract

Background: Spontaneous abortion is considered a main reproductive health issue acts as
a risk factor for pregnant women's welfare and a prominent component of maternal
mortality statistics. Knowledge and self-protective behaviors among pregnant women
regarding spontaneous abortion are very important. The aim of this study: was to identify
knowledge and self-protective behaviors among pregnant women regarding spontaneous
abortion. Subjects and Method: A descriptive study design was used. The study was
conducted in Egypt at the out-patients' clinics of obstetrics departments of Tanta University
Hospitals affiliated to Ministry of High Education and Scientific Research and ElMenshawy General Hospital affiliated to Ministry of Health and Population. A purposive
sample of 200 pregnant women who had past history of spontaneous abortion was selected
from the previously mentioned settings. Two tools were used for data collection; Tool 1:
Pregnant women's knowledge regarding spontaneous abortion, Tool 2: Women selfprotective behaviors regarding spontaneous abortion. Results: The finding of the present
study revealed that the majority of the studied pregnant women had low level of knowledge
and three quarters of them had negative self-protective behaviors regarding spontaneous
abortion. Conclusion: There are highly statistical significant relationships between
women's age at marriage, educational level, occupation and their knowledge regarding
spontaneous abortion. Additionally, no significant relationship exists between knowledge
and self-protective behaviors regarding spontaneous abortion among the studied pregnant
women. Recommendations: Implementation of continuous educational programs for
pregnant women and newly appointed health care providers regarding self-protective
behaviors of spontaneous abortion, and encouragement of early and regular antenatal care.