AWARENESS REGARDING PREGNANCY INDUCED HYPERTENSION AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN ATTENDING A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL OF POKHARA NEPAL

Introduction: Pregnancy Induced Hypertension (PIH) is the major contributor for maternal and neonatal complications morbidity, mortality and premature birth. It is second most leading cause of maternal death contributing to 22% of total death. Therefore, can be prevented by proper knowledge, awareness of the disease and its complications. Objective of the study to assess the level of awareness regarding PIH among pregnant women attending a tertiary care hospital of Pokhara Nepal. Methods: A descriptive cross sectional study design with a convenience sampling technique was used to assess the awareness regarding pregnancy induced hypertension among pregnant women attending antenatal outpatient department, Pokhara Academy of Health Science. The total sample size was 226 pregnant women. Face to face interview technique was used to collect the data through structured interview schedule. Results: More than two-third (66.8%) of respondents had moderate level of awareness, 19% had low level of awareness and only 14.2% had good level of awareness regarding pregnancy induced hypertension. The level of knowledge was not significantly associated with any of the socio-demographic variables. Conclusion: study concludes about two-third of pregnant women had moderate level of awareness regarding PIH and study showed no significance association between level of awareness and any of socio-demographic variables. Awareness raising program need to be conducted in the antenatal clinic to increase the awareness level of pregnant women about PIH.