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Introduction: Danger signs are specific indicators signaling potential serious or life-threatening health conditions, crucial for prompt intervention in healthcare settings. Recognizing these signs can be challenging due to variations in cultural perceptions and individual interpretations. Additionally, danger signs are context-dependent, requiring awareness and contextual analysis. This complexity is amplified when dealing with abstract or non-physical signs. Understanding and consistently applying the concept of danger signs is essential for effective healthcare delivery. Method: This paper utilized Walker and Avant's eight-step concept analysis method, offering a systematic and structured approach for defining and understanding concepts. The method promotes clarity, precision, and thorough exploration of the concept's relationships with others, enhancing comprehensive understanding within its context. Result: Conceptually, danger signs represent a broad array of indicators signaling potential harm or imminent risk. Through analysis, this paper defines danger signs operationally as objective, measurable cues that are contextdependent, indicating the presence of a potential negative outcome. Conclusion: This paper contributes to existing knowledge by identifying danger sign attributes, reducing ambiguity and facilitating clearer application in health specialties training. The enhanced clarity also allows for the development of more precise tools to assess competence in danger sign identification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Neonates can show subtle signs of illness that could be overlooked by their mothers and caregivers. Therefore, basic knowledge regarding neonatal health and early detection of neonatal diseases can help improve survival. We assessed nursing students' knowledge and attitudes toward the danger signs of neonatal illnesses. Materials and Methods: We performed a descriptive cross-sectional study using a structured online questionnaire based on danger signs categorized by the World Health Organization to assess knowledge of neonatal illness danger signs among nursing students. Results: We assessed 342 students, of which 67.0% (95% CI: 61.8–71.7) had good knowledge regarding neonatal illness danger signs, and 71.6% received information about neonatal care. About 33% of the participants had a basic knowledge of neonatal care, such as breastfeeding, immunization, routine postnatal care, and eye care. Students who received information on neonatal care were three times (AOR = 2.95, 95% CI: 11.59–5.47, p = 0.001) more likely to have good knowledge than those who did not. The students also showed a positive attitude towards the importance of knowledge regarding neonatal illness danger signs, teaching this subject in their college, participating in studies involving the practice and knowledge of mothers regarding neonatal illness danger signs, and the importance of knowledge in reducing neonatal mortality in the region. Conclusions: More training programs on neonatal care should be implemented to enhance knowledge and raise nursing students' awareness of the dangerous signs of neonatal illnesses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Neonatal illnesses can prove to be fatal if not identified early and treated. This suggests that death occasioned as result of neonatal illness could be prevented. However, it has been observed that most mothers report to the hospital late with their newborns in critical state, making it difficult for professionals to salvage the problem often than not. This study sought to explore the knowledge and practices of home caregivers on neonatal danger signs pre-admission to Tamale Teaching Hospital a tertiary hospital in northern Ghana. Methods: An explorative descriptive qualitative design was used in this study. Purposive sampling technique was used to select fifteen caregivers of neonates on admission at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of Tamale Teaching Hospital. Data was collected using semi-structured interview guide. As part of data collection, audio recordings were used to audio tape interviews. All data collected were transcribed verbatim and subsequently analyzed manually using thematic content analysis. Results: Thematic analysis in the study demonstrated that caregivers had basic knowledge, describing neonatal illness with danger signs such as lethargy, convulsion, fever, fast breathing, poor feeding, vomiting and diarrhea. The study further found that the predominant practice to care seeking by caregivers was home/traditional herbal remedies. It also indicated that inexperience caring for neonates, severity of illness and non-availability of finances were factors that informed caregivers choice of treatment of neonatal illness. Conclusion: The study concludes that inexperience caring for neonate, severity of illness and non-availability of finances were factors that informed caregivers choice of treatment. There is a pressing need for health workers to strengthen the education of caregivers/mothers on neonatal danger signs and the need for prompt care seeking from skilled health care providers prior to discharge from the hospital. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Danger signs in pregnancy can warn of maternal health problems. In developing African countries, including Ethiopia, the rate of maternal mortality is high. There is little knowledge of danger signs during pregnancy and their associated factors at the community level in the study area. Methods: A community-based, cross-sectional study was conducted to assess knowledge about danger signs among pregnant women in Hosanna Zuria Kebeles between 30 June and 30 July 2021. A simple random sampling method was used to select eligible pregnant women. The sample size was proportionally allocated based on the number of pregnant women in each kebele. Data were collected in face-to-face interviews using a pretested questionnaire. The descriptive results were presented as proportions, whereas the analytic results were presented as adjusted odds ratios (AOR). Results: The prevalence of good knowledge of danger signs in pregnancy was 259/410 (63.2%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 58.3-67.8). The most common known danger signs during pregnancy were severe vaginal bleeding (n = 227, 55.4%), followed by blurred vision (n = 224, 54.6%). In the multivariable analysis, the age of the respondent (AOR = 3.29, 95% CI 1.15-9.38), the tertiary education of the mother (AOR = 5.40, 95% CI 2.56-11.34), and the number of live births (AOR = 3.95, 95% CI 2.08-7.48) were statistically significant factors. Conclusion: There was an adequate prevalence of knowledge of danger signs in pregnancy among pregnant mothers compared with different studies in Ethiopia and different countries. Advanced maternal age, the respondent's level of education, and the number of live births were found to be independent determining factors for the level of knowledge on danger signs in pregnancy among pregnant mothers. Health facilities and healthcare providers should focus on antenatal care and the age and parity of the mother when giving information about danger signs in pregnancy. The Ministry of Health should provide reproductive health services in rural areas and encourage education for women. Further studies need to be conducted and include danger signs in the three trimesters using a qualitative study design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In India, neonatal mortality contributes to over 64% of infant deaths, mostly occurring during the first week of life. Mortality rate in second month of life is also higher than at later ages. Delay in identification of warning signs of neonatal illness naturally postpones the initiation of treatment and referral to hospital. Materials and Methods: The study aimed to explore the perception of care givers regarding danger signs of illness and practices followed in young infants. Care givers who cared for the sick young infants during last six months were recruited using a convenient sampling technique and qualitative research approach. Five semi-structured interviews and one FGD were conducted using an interview and FGD guide. Data was analyzed manually by reading and rereading the transcribed verbatim leading to the emergence of themes, subthemes, and codes. Results: Data explored that excessive crying was perceived as a danger sign by entire mothers, and many of them were unable to recognize important warning signs. The delay in decision making for medical care-seeking also shows dwindling awareness. Additionally, mothers were adapting few unhygienic practices as home remedies leading to worsening the symptoms and making a call for additional infections which needs to be addressed by the health authorities at community level. Conclusion: Pronounced efforts are expected to raise mindfulness of mothers toward the significance of early identification of neonatal danger signs to stave off the high magnitude of neonatal mortality. Inclusion of excessive crying as neonatal danger sign is recommended as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Globally, 2.5 million babies die in the first 28 days of life each year with most of these deaths occurring in low- and middle-income countries. Early recognition of newborn danger signs is important in prompting timely care seeking behaviour. Little is known about women's knowledge of newborn danger signs in Papua New Guinea. This study aims to assess this knowledge gap among a cohort of women in East New Britain Province. Methods: This study assessed knowledge of newborn danger signs (as defined by the World Health Organization) at three time points from a prospective cohort study of women in East New Britain Province, factors associated with knowledge of danger signs after childbirth were assessed using logistic regression. This study includes quantitative and qualitative interview data from 699 pregnant women enrolled at their first antenatal clinic visit, followed up after childbirth (n = 638) and again at one-month post-partum (n = 599). Results: Knowledge of newborn danger signs was very low. Among the 638 women, only 9.4% knew three newborn danger signs after childbirth and only one knew all four essential danger signs defined by Johns Hopkins University 'Birth Preparedness and Complication Readiness' Index. Higher knowledge scores were associated with higher gravidity, income level, partner involvement in antenatal care, and education. Conclusion: Low levels of knowledge of newborn danger signs among pregnant women are a potential obstacle to timely care-seeking in rural Papua New Guinea. Antenatal and postnatal education, and policies that support enhanced education and decision-making powers for women and their families, are urgently needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Women and newborns are most vulnerable during and immediately after childbirth. The majority of maternal and newborn deaths occurring in developing countries can be attributed to inabilities to access health services, illiteracy, social stigmas, and gender inequalities. Women should be made aware of the danger signs so that health care services can be assessed on time, thus reducing maternal mortality. The objectives of this study were to assess the knowledge about obstetric danger signs and to find out various factors associated with them among pregnant women attending antenatal care (ANC) clinic at the Rural Health Training Centre (RHTC) attached to a Medical College. Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the ANC clinic of the RHTC attached to a medical college of Rajasthan for a period of 4 months and included 353 pregnant women. A pre-designed and pre-tested schedule was used. Mean knowledge scores were computed and knowledge was classified into adequate and inadequate. Descriptive statistics were used and the Pearson Chi-square test was used as a test of significance, taking a P value of < 0.05 as statistically significant. Results: Educational status of pregnant women, antenatal check-up status and gravid status had significant associations with the knowledge of obstetric danger signs. Conclusions: About half of the respondents had adequate knowledge about the obstetrics danger signs. Therefore, there is a strong need of creating awareness in the community by improving access to health care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Birth Preparedness and Complication Readiness (BPACR) is the intervention for planning of normal birth and anticipating the actions needed in case of complications. It is a comprehensive strategy to improve the use of skilled providers at birth, the key measure to reduce maternal mortality. Objectives: To assess the status of BPACR and associated sociodemographic factors among pregnant women in community. Materials and Methods: A community-based descriptive longitudinal study undertaken at urban slums among 156 pregnant women with >28 weeks of gestation. They were interviewed for BPACR components. Results: BPACR index was observed to be lower 48.3%. About 88% were aware about any one danger signs of pregnancy. Nearly, 77% of women availed antenatal care service in first trimester. About 85% women identified skilled birth attendant and mode of transport for delivery, 66% women saved money for delivery. Most common danger sign noted was abdominal pain (65.38%). Mother's education, occupation, parity, and socioeconomic condition were significantly associated with three out of four components of BPACR. Conclusion: Low level of BPACR index was attributed to low level of awareness regarding government sponsored schemes and danger signs of pregnancy. This highlights need of more efforts in services provided by health care providers and workers. There is need of intense Information, Education and Communication activity focused on pregnant women and their family members. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Maternal mortality still remains a major public health challenge in India. Delays in seeking, reaching and obtaining to appropriate intranatal care are the crucial factors determining maternal mortality. Birth Preparedness and Complication Readiness (BPACR) is the process of planning for normal birth and anticipating the actions needed in case of an emergency. It is a logical process of addressing delays in delivery. Aim: To assess BPACR status of postnatal mothers using BPACR index and to determine association between socio demographic and other variables and BPACR status among them. Materials and Methods: The cross-sectional, observational study was conducted on 200 post-natal mothers of Indoor Patient Department (IPD), Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, in a tertiary care hospital in West Bengal. Socio demographic information and information on antenatal history, decision makers during pregnancy, type and distance of nearest health facility, knowledge of danger signs, identification of the skilled birth attendant, mode of transport, arrangement for money and other variables were collected by interviewing the patients with a predesigned, pretested, semi structured schedule and by reviewing records. BPACR is the process of planning for normal birth and anticipated actions needed during an emergency. To assess BPACR status among postnatal women, BPACR index is measured which consists of a set of indicators. Data were analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0. Proportion and chi-square test were used wherever applicable. The p-value of less The p-value of less than 0.05 was taken as statistically significant. Results: The final BPACR index was 61.07. All participants identified skilled birth attendants for delivery. Almost all were aware of Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY). Among 200 women, about 90% of them had knowledge about transportation services provided by the government. Only 63.5% of the mothers (127/200) availed Antenatal Care (ANC) by skilled provider. About 38.5% (77/200) of study participants identified the mode of transportation, and 38% (76/200) of them saved money for delivery expenses. No participant could identify more than eight danger signs of pregnancy. Overall, 75% (150/200) of participants were well prepared. On bivariate analysis, good preparedness have been found to be significantly associated (p-value <0.05) with age group, type of decision maker during pregnancy and presence of the husband accompanying their wives in any of the ANC visits. Conclusion: Majority of the population were well prepared, but awareness on danger signs was very low. Women empowerment in terms of behavior change communication at family, community and tertiary care level to be carried out through formal and informal approaches are the needs of the hour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To determine knowledge and perception of key danger signs of pregnancy among mothers in urban and rural communities of Ebonyi state, Nigeria. Methodology: A comparative cross-sectional study design was used. The two-stage sampling technique was used to select 660 women in four of thirteen local government areas in the state. The women have delivered in last one year irrespective of place of delivery. Outcome measure included good knowledge of danger signs and was assessed by proportion of respondents who recalled four of eight danger signs. Positive perception was assessed by proportion who were aware that danger signs of pregnancy were capable of causing death of women if unattended to immediately. Results: The mean age of respondents was urban, 29.6±6.2 and rural, 28.6±5.1 years. The most recalled danger sign was bleeding before labour; urban, 280 (84.8%); rural, 267 (80.9%). Comparable proportions - urban, 272 (82.4%); rural, 287 (87.0%) had good knowledge of danger signs. (p=0.105). Predictors of good knowledge of danger signs included residing in urban, (AOR=0.4; 95%C1:0.2-0.9), being <30 years, (AOR=0.6; 95%C1:0.3-0.9), having 2-4 children, (AOR=2.4; 95%C1 :1.2-4.7) and not receiving antenatal care from a skilled provider. (AOR=0.2; 95%Cl:0.08-0.4). There was an association between good knowledge and positive perception of danger signs. (p<0.001 ). Conclusions: Majority of respondents in study area had good knowledge and positive perception of danger signs of pregnancy. Consolidating the understanding of danger signs will enhance maternal health outcome thus improving the maternal death burden in Nigeria. There is need to ensure that all women receive antenatal care from a skilled provider. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: To make the world better, in 2015, 195 nations agreed with United Nations to accomplish few goals – Sustainable Development Goals. 3rd Goal is Good Health & Wellbeing. To achieve this good health and wellbeing, the UN set few targets -one of them is ending all preventable death under five years of age. To keep preventable death low among those under five years of age, mother’s need to make aware in the simplest way. Methods: A systematic review of literature and database searched with relevant keywords. Total 234 studies spanning over 2005-2019 has been reviewed. Analyzed from reviewed study it’s pertinent that mothers/caregivers need to make aware regarding danger signs in children under five years to keep morbidity and mortality low in this age group. Results: In searched 234 studies only 2 found interventional in design that too not on preventable danger signs, others are descriptive. Conclusion: Delay in the identification of danger signs in children and subsequent delay in decision making to seek treatment can make preventable disease fatal. So need more interventional studies to make mothers aware. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The first five years of life constitute the foundations of the child's physical, mental growth and development. Mortality and morbidity are high during this age group. Early detection of danger signs is very crucial to prevent this. The objectives were to assess the knowledge of mothers regarding under-five danger signs and explore the association between the effects of knowledge with selected factors. Method: A descriptivestudy was conducted in a rural community of West Bengal from Jan'2018 to Sept'2018. Total study sample was 110 mothers having under five children. Door to door data collection was done through interview and data was analyzed both manually and by computer feeding. Results: Out of total study sample, majority (60%) belongs to age group 18-25 years followed by 31% among 26-33 age group, then 16% were more than 33 years. Out of total mothers, majority (40%) belongs to higher educated group, (37%) secondary group, followed by 10% with primary education and 13%were illiterate. Knowledge score was more than 50% among higher educated group (64%). Out of total respondents 61 (55.5%) mothers were not able to identify any danger signs whereas, 35.5% mothers identified 1-2 danger signs and 9% mothers were able to identify 3-4 danger signs. Knowledge score about danger signs was more who visited antenatal clinic more than 4 times (61%). Conclusion: Awareness regarding under five danger signs are more among higher educated mothers. Number of antenatal visits also influences knowledge score. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Danger signs of pregnancy are warning signs that women encounter during pregnancy, child birth and post-partum period. It is important, to know these warning signs for women and health care providers to rule out serious complications and initiate treatment immediately. Objectives: 1. To assess the awareness of danger signs of pregnancy among pregnant women attending antenatal care in Nandagudi PHC. 2. To give health education to the pregnant women about the risk factors and danger signs. Methodology: A cross sectional study was conducted in PHC, Nandagudi , field practise area of MVJMC and RH. Study was carried out from September 2017 to November 2017. A total of 210 pregnant women who attended the ante natal clinic at PHC, Nandagudi were the study subjects. A pre designed pretested questionnaire was used. Data collected was thus entered in M S excel and was analysed using SPSS 21 version. Results: 60% of the study population belonged to the age group 23-27. Majority (90%) of them knew the importance of iron and folic acid. 72% of the cases knew the importance of blood group in pregnancy. Majority (91%) preferred hospital delivery compared to home delivery (9%). All 210 women knew about only 3 danger signs, they are bleeding per vagina, loss of consciousness and convulsions. Conclusion: Every pregnant woman faces the risk of sudden, unpredictable complication that could end in death or injury to herself or to her infant. Hence, it is necessary to employ strategies to overcome such problems as they arise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Globally, every day, approximately 800 women die from preventable causes related to pregnancy and childbirth. The majority of these deaths occur after childbirth (post-partum period) mostly within 24 h. Raising awareness of women on obstetric danger sign of childbirth and postpartum, are crucial for safe motherhood initiative and to reduce maternal mortality.Methods: A community based cross sectional study was conducted from December 15, 2017 up to February 10, 2018 on randomly selected sample of 782 women who had at least one delivery in the last 12 months. Multi stage sampling technique was used to select the study participants. Pre tested structured questionnaire was used to collect quantitative data. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed using SPSS version 20.0 software.Results: Total 732 women who had at least one birth prior to this survey were interviewed and making a response rate of 93.6%.The most common spontaneously mentioned danger signs during childbirth was Severe vaginal bleeding by 281 (68.4%). Women who could mention at least two danger signs during child birth and post-partum period were 333 (45.5%), 213(29.1%) respectively. Being urban (AOR = 3.54, 95% of CI: [2.20-5.69] and delivered previous birth at health institution (AOR = 3.35, 95% of CI: [2.38-4.72]) were factors found to be significantly associated with knowledge of danger signs during postpartum. Being Attended secondary level and above (AOR = 2.41, 95% of CI: [1.02-7.76]) and use of ANC during last pregnancy (AOR = 3.63, 95% of CI: [2.51-5.25]), were factors found to be significantly associated with knowledge of danger signs during childbirth.Conclusions: The level of knowledge about danger signs of child birth and postpartum were low. This indicates that many mothers are more likely to delay in deciding to seek health care. Also, knowledge about danger signs of childbirth and postpartum were affected by place of residence, formal education, use of ANC and place of delivery. Therefore, the identified gap in awareness should be addressed through effective maternal health services by strengthening and designing appropriate strategies including provision of targeted health information, education and communication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Reducing neonatal mortality is an essential part of the third Sustainable Development Goal, to end preventable child deaths. Neonatal danger signs are the most common cause of neonatal mortality and morbidity. In Ethiopia, most babies are born at home or are discharged from the health institutions in the first 24 h, as a result enhancing women's knowledge towards neonatal danger signs and its complication might reduce neonatal morbidity and mortality. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the women knowledge towards neonatal danger signs in Ethiopia.Method: MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus, Hinari, Google scholar, web of science electronic databases and grey literature from repository were searched for all the available studies. Fourteen cross sectional studies were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. Subgroup analysis was conducted for the evidence of heterogeneity. Cochrane I2 statistics were used to check the heterogeneity of the studies. Egger test with funnel plot were used to investigate publication bias.Result: Fourteen cross-sectional studies with a total of 6617 study participants were included for this study. The overall pooled prevalence of women's knowledge towards neonatal danger sign was 40.7% (95%CI, 25.72, 55.67). Having higher educational status of the women (AOR = 3.86, 95%CI: 2.3-6.5), having higher educational status of the husband (AOR = 4.57, 95%CI: 3.29-6.35), access to mass media (AOR = 1.69, 95%CI: 1.17-2.23), having antenatal care visits (AOR = 2.63, 95%CI: 1.13-4.67), having postnatal care follow up (AOR = 2.55, 95%CI; 1.72-3.79) and giving birth at health institutions (AOR = 2.51, 95%CI:1.68-3.74) were factors associated with knowledge of the women towards danger sign of the neonate.Conclusion: In this systematic review and meta-analysis the pooled prevalence of maternal knowledge towards neonatal danger sign was low. Educational status of the mother, educational status of the husband, access to mass media, antenatal care follow-up, postnatal care follow-up and place of delivery were factors associated with knowledge of the mother towards danger sign of the newborn. Promoting antenatal care, postnatal care follow-up and community-based health information dissemination about neonatal danger signs should be strengthened.Systematic Review Registration: PROSPERO CRD42019132179. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: India accounts for 25% of the mortality around the world. According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-4) report and data shown by Niti Ayog in 2013, the neonatal mortality rate (NMR) in India is 28 per 1,000 live births, which accounts for more than half of the under-five child deaths (50/1000). The majority of the new-born deaths occur at home where a few families recognize signs of newborn illness. Delay in recognizing the signs of neonatal illnesses contributes to the death of a neonate. Aim: To assess the knowledge of post natal mothers regarding danger signs of neonates at various primary health centres in Bihar, India Methodology: A descriptive cross sectional survey was conducted at 54 health facilities of 16 districts in Bihar in the month January, 2017 using self developed, pretested and validated structured questionnaire. Tools were validated and reliability was tested (ρ = 0.74). Data collected from 277 post natal mothers were analysed. Knowledge of mothers was classified into three categories, poor knowledge (score 1-5), average knowledge (score 6-10) and good knowledge (score 11-15). Result: More than one third (35.7%) mothers were third to fifth gravida. Most of the mothers (41.2%) attended two antenatal visits. Around half (50.6%) of the mother responded that they are aware of any danger in neonate. More than one third (45.5%) of the mothers were aware of fever as neonatal danger sign. Most of the mothers (39.7%) had poor knowledge regarding danger signs. Conclusion: The finding of the study showed at health facilities post natal mothers had poor knowledge regarding danger signs of neonate. This alarms the need of continuous monitoring of post natal educational services and it also depicts the enhancement of educational efforts for effective education of mothers regarding early recognition of danger signs of neonate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Knowledge of obstetric danger signs among pregnant women is of paramount importance in improving maternal, and fetal health outcomes. This study aims to determine the knowledge of danger signs among pregnant women seeking antenatal care in a teaching hospital. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out for two months among pregnant women who visited the antenatal clinic of a teaching hospital. A pre-tested and pre-designed proforma was used. Mean knowledge scores were computed and knowledge was classified into adequate and inadequate. Results: A total of 170 pregnant women fulfilling the inclusion criteria were included. Mean age of the study participants was found to be 26.40 ± 4.14 years. Nearly 67.10% were aware of bleeding per vagina being a danger sign, 50.0% stated excessive vomiting as a danger sign, 23.50% knew that blurring of vision was a danger, while a mere 20.0% reported that convulsions were a danger sign. Overall, adequate knowledge (total knowledge score of 5 and above) was observed in 54.70% of the participants. Conclusion: Majority of the study participants had adequate knowledge of danger signs in pregnancy. However, when knowledge about specific individual danger signs were further assessed, a high proportion had very poor knowledge. The mean knowledge scores were found to be low. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Tanzania is among the countries with a high maternal mortality ratio. However, it remains unclear how information and education on danger signs of pregnancy translate into appropriate actions when a woman recognizes danger signs. This study aimed to determine women's knowledge of obstetric danger signs during pregnancy and their subsequent healthcare seeking actions.Methods: The study design was a health facility-based cross-sectional study. Quantitative data were collected through interviewer-administered questionnaires. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data. The study enrolled 384 women from two health centers in Kinondoni Municipality, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. A woman who had not mentioned any danger sign was categorized as having no knowledge, mentioned one to three danger signs as having low knowledge, and mentioned four or more danger signs as having sufficient knowledge.Results: Among the 384 participants, 67 (17.4%) had experienced danger signs during their pregnancy and reported their healthcare seeking actions after recognizing the danger signs. Among those who recognized danger signs, 61 (91%) visited a healthcare facility. Among the 384 participants, five (1.3%) had no education, 175 (45.6%) had primary education, 172 (44.8%) had secondary education, and 32 (8.3%) had post-secondary education as their highest educational levels. When asked to spontaneously mention the danger signs, more than half of the participants (n = 222, 57.8%) were able to mention only one to three danger signs. Only 104 (31%) had correct knowledge of at least four danger signs and nine (2.7%) were not able to mention any item. The most commonly known pregnancy danger signs were vaginal bleeding (81%); swelling of the fingers, face, and legs (46%); and severe headache (44%). Older women were 1.6 times more likely to have knowledge of danger signs than young women (OR 1.61; 95% CI 1.05-2.46)".Conclusion: Women took appropriate healthcare seeking action after recognizing danger signs during pregnancy. However, the majority had low knowledge of pregnancy danger signs. Additional studies are warranted to address the knowledge gap and to plan interventions for improving health education under limited resource settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: High-risk neonate defines as one who requires more than the standard monitoring and care offered to a healthy term newborn infant; therefore, early detection of neonatal illness is an important step toward improving newborn survival. Objectives: The objective of this study is to assess the knowledge and health-seeking practices of mothers attending primary health-care centers about WHO recognized danger signs in newborns. Subjects and Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in primary health-care centers selected conveniently in Baghdad-Alkarkh district. Participants were 275 mothers of child-bearing age group selected conveniently; the data were collected during the period from March 1 to June 30, 2017. A general questionnaire used for the data collection. Results: About 81% of mothers in study sample listed three or more of the who recognized danger signs. About 71.7% of mothers tend to seek advice or treatment for the illness outside the home. The proportion of good knowledge and health-seeking practices was higher in (Educated, employee, mothers who had a history of antenatal care attendance with higher number of visits). There was no relationship between number of children and family support with seeking care outside the home. Mothers who had good knowledge of danger signs of their babies tend to seek care from health facilities more frequently 75%, and this relation was statistically significant, 61.2% of mothers who perceive illness in newborns delayed seeking advice or treatment outside the home, 66% not taking newborn to the health facilities because they expect self-resolution of the illness. There is good knowledge and perception of mothers toward some danger signs such as fever, poor feeding, and jaundice while fair toward others such as cold body, chest indrawing, and signs of local infections. Conclusion: There are good knowledge and perception of mothers about the WHO recognized danger signs in newborns; however, there is a gap between mothers' knowledge and their health-seeking behavior for sick newborn and explored their deep perceptions, constraints, and various treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]