Knowledge and perception of obstetric danger signs among antenatal women in Oyo West Local Government Area, Nigeria: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

In low-and middle-income countries, most maternal deaths still result from preventable complications due to delayed recognition of and response to obstetric danger signs. Although antenatal care seeks to raise awareness of these signs, evidence shows that women’s knowledge often remains too limited to prompt timely, appropriate care-seeking. This study assessed the knowledge and perception of danger signs in pregnancy among antenatal women in Oyo West Local Government Area, Nigeria. A cross-sectional study using data from antenatal visits was conducted at selected health facilities in Oyo West Local Government Area, Nigeria. Data were collected using a structured self-administered questionnaire. Composite scores were generated and categorized using median cut-offs. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests at a statistical significance level of P<0.05. Most respondents had adequate knowledge (83%) and positive perceptions (94%) of pregnancy danger signs, but over half (53%) responded poorly to warning signs. Knowledge did not significantly correlate with practice (P=0.566), indicating a gap between knowing about health and acting on it. In contrast, perception of danger signs was significantly associated with pregnancy outcomes (P=0.047), suggesting that how danger is interpreted matters more than knowledge alone. High knowledge and positive perceptions of pregnancy danger signs did not always translate into proper practice among antenatal women. Maternal health programs should combine antenatal education with strengthened health systems, including service delivery, healthcare financing, and community engagement, that emphasize behaviour-focused measures to enhance care-seeking practices and prevent maternal morbidity and mortality.