Investigating complications of pregnant women during antenatal and delivery care who attended Kwadabeka Community Health Care Centre in Durban, South Africa

Many women and neonates in South Africa die and suffer from complications of pregnancy. The aim of this thesis was to investigate, estimate and identify the risk factors for the selected health problems of pregnant women during pregnancy and at the time of delivery. Method: A number of cross-sectional descriptive studies were undertaken. The samples were recruited from a midwife obstetric unit of Kwadabeka Community Health Centre that provides maternity care for low-risk pregnant women and situated in a peri-urban community of the eThekwini health district of KwaZulu-Natal Province of South Africa, with an estimated catchment population of predominantly 150 000 black residences. Results: The prevalence of anaemia was 37% at the initiation of antenatal care (ANC) and 29.2% at 36-weeks gestational age. Pregnant women those had their first ANC visit during the first trimester were 62% less likely to be anaemic at 36 weeks’ gestation. The estimated prevalence and seroconversion rates of HIV and syphilis were 44.2% and 3.9%; and 4% and 2.6% respectively. The total perineal injury rate of 33.3% in 2013 was found to decrease to 28.9% (p<0.05) in 2017 and reduction of episiotomy from 17.6% to 7.6%. GA, parity and previous vaginal births were risk factors for episiotomy. Having ANC during pregnancy was protective for any perineal injury and episiotomy. However, heavier birth weight of the baby was the only predictor for Obstetric Anal Sphincter Injuries. Regarding pregnancy outcomes a significant decline of teenage pregnancy rate from 14.5% in 2013 to 9.5% in 2017. The LBW and still birth rates decreased from 8.4% and 1.2% in 2013 to 7.8% and 0.6% in 2017 respectively. GA at the time of delivery was associated with LBW and still births. Most of the pregnant women (89% and 75%) scored < 50% on knowledge and positive attitude on COVID-19. However, 98%% pregnant women were practicing positively to prevent the infection. It was estimated that the prevalence of anxiety and depression among pregnant women were high of 35.7% and 38.2% respectively. Nearly two-thirds (63.3%) of the pregnant women would accept the COVID-19 vaccine. Conclusion: There are high rates of infections with HIV and Syphilis, perineal injuries, anaemia during pregnancy. However, there are reduction of teenage pregnancies, LBW and stillbirth rates during the study period. Training of midwifes, strengthening health education, screening and treating infections remain critical.

Publication year:2023

Keywords:Human medicine

Accessibility:Closed