Awareness of Birth Defects in Mothers
Awareness of Birth Defects in Mothers
The study categorizes education level into four groups: no formal education, primary school, secondary school, and college & above for both expecting mothers and their husbands. This categorization helps to understand the correlation between educational attainment and awareness of birth defects .
The study finds that expectant mothers who attend antenatal care (ANC) visits more frequently are generally more knowledgeable about birth defects. Regular ANC visits provide continued access to healthcare professionals and educational resources, thus increasing awareness .
The study examines obstetric characteristics such as the number of pregnancies, the number of childbirths, experience with stillbirths, previous births with defects, folic acid consumption, and incidence of abortion to assess their relationship with birth defect awareness .
The study assesses whether expectant mothers who have previously given birth to a child with a birth defect are more likely to use folic acid to prevent recurrence. This preventive measure is examined as a key aspect of increasing awareness and reducing future risks .
The study identifies antenatal care visits, mass media, friends, relatives, and social media as significant sources of information for expectant mothers regarding birth defects. These sources impact the mothers' awareness and knowledge levels .
The study links service-related characteristics such as timing of first antenatal care visit, frequency of ANC visits, and use of folic acid and iron supplements. These factors influence awareness by providing opportunities for expectant mothers to receive education from healthcare providers about birth defects prevention and management .
The study suggests that average monthly income, categorized into ranges, may impact awareness since economic status could affect access to education, healthcare, and information resources relevant to birth defects. Higher income may facilitate better healthcare access and educational opportunities, leading to greater awareness .
The study assesses socio-demographic factors including the age of the expectant mothers, their current residency, religion, education level, occupation, marital status, their husband's education level, husband's occupation, and the average monthly income of the family .
The study illustrates that socio-cultural factors, such as religion, marital status, and residency (urban or rural), play a significant role in shaping awareness levels. These factors influence access to information, healthcare services, and community support systems, affecting how mothers perceive and respond to birth defect risks .
The study evaluates the role of iron supplementation by asking participants whether they believe iron prevents congenital anomalies, aids in fetal growth, and prevents postpartum hemorrhage. The responses help assess the extent of knowledge regarding the multifaceted benefits of iron during pregnancy .