A Descriptive Study to Assess the Knowledge Regarding Antenatal Care among Pregnant Women

Sakshi Semwal, Srijana Hamal

Abstract: Introduction: Antenatal care (ANC) is essential for ensuring maternal and fetal well - being. Timely diagnostic screening and awareness of antenatal tests play a crucial role in reducing maternal and neonatal morbidity. However, knowledge regarding these tests remains suboptimal in many low - resource settings. Aim & Objective: This study aimed to assess the knowledge levels of pregnant women regarding antenatal laboratory tests and to identify sociodemographic factors influencing their awareness. Methodology: A cross - sectional descriptive study was conducted among 350 pregnant women attending urban primary healthcare centers. Participants in their second or third trimester were enrolled using convenience sampling. Data were collected using a structured, validated questionnaire covering demographic details and a 25 - item knowledge assessment. Statistical analysis included chi - square tests and logistic regression using SPSS version 25. Results: Only 14.9% of women demonstrated good knowledge, while 32.0% had poor knowledge. Awareness was highest for hemoglobin testing (81.7%) and lowest for the oral glucose tolerance test (18.3%). Graduate education (AOR=4.8), ?4 ANC visits (AOR=3.2), upper socioeconomic status (AOR=5.1), and urban residence (AOR=2.4) were significantly associated with better knowledge (p<0.05). Conclusion: Educational status, frequency of ANC visits, socioeconomic position, and urban residence are key determinants of maternal knowledge about antenatal testing. Targeted interventions are needed to improve awareness among disadvantaged groups.

Keywords: Antenatal care, pregnancy, maternal health, laboratory tests, knowledge assessment, hemoglobin test, HIV screening, glucose tolerance test, socioeconomic status, ANC visits, urban residence, health education, logistic regression, maternal awareness

How to Cite?: Sakshi Semwal, Srijana Hamal, "A Descriptive Study to Assess the Knowledge Regarding Antenatal Care among Pregnant Women", Volume 14 Issue 6, June 2025, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 1140-1146, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=MR25615233353, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/MR25615233353