Knowledge and Attitude Toward Modes of Delivery and Possible Complications Among Women in Al-Baha Region, Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND: The experience of childbirth significantly influences women's perspectives and attitudes, which are shaped by whether their experiences were positive or negative. This study aims to assess knowledge and attitudes regarding childbirth methods and potential complications among women in Al-Baha, Saudi Arabia. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Al-Baha region of Saudi Arabia with 500 participants. Data collection was facilitated through online surveys. The survey was responded to by women residing in Al-Baha of reproductive age (18-45), including those who had given birth vaginally or via cesarean section within the past five years. The questionnaire covered sociodemographic aspects and assessed knowledge and attitudes toward vaginal delivery, cesarean section, and their respective complications. RESULTS: The study encompassed 500 participants, predominantly under 36 years of age (224 participants, 44.8%). A majority were married (355 participants, 71%) and held a university degree (358 participants, 71.6%). Notably, half of the participants were unemployed, and 365 (65.4%) were multiparous. Preferences for childbirth methods showed that 296 women (59.2%) favored vaginal delivery, while 100 women (20%) preferred cesarean section. Regarding knowledge about childbirth, 200 participants (40%) rated their knowledge as very good. CONCLUSION: The study reveals a preference for vaginal delivery among the women surveyed, with over half possessing adequate knowledge about postpartum complications. Women with only a diploma or expressing a preference for cesarean section displayed lower knowledge levels about these complications. It is recommended that medical professionals provide comprehensive information about various childbirth methods and their complications, indications, and benefits to expectant women.

Prevalence of Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes in Women With and Without Gestational Diabetes Mellitus in Al-Baha Region, Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a condition characterized by glucose intolerance that develops during pregnancy. It is associated with adverse maternal and fetal outcomes and has long-term health implications for both the mother and the child. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of adverse pregnancy outcomes in women with and without GDM in the Al-Baha region, Saudi Arabia. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Al-Baha region from April 2023 to November 2023. The study included mothers residing in the Al-Baha region who were willing to participate and had access to a social media account. A simple random sampling technique was used, and the estimated sample size was 422. A self-administered electronic questionnaire was used to collect data on socio-demographic and lifestyle factors, as well as the pregnancy outcomes of diabetic and non-diabetic mothers. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were performed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 28.0 (Released 2012; IBM Corp., Armonk, New York, United States). RESULTS: We included 422 women in the study with the majority of participants in the age group of 36-40 years(15.4%, n=74). Most participants (66.6%, n=321) had attained a university degree, and a significant proportion resided in Al-Baha City (52.3%, n=252). Maternal outcomes indicated a significant association between GDM and the development of eclampsia (OR = 8.296, 95%CI: 4.353-15.810, p < 0.001), as well as an increased risk of thyroid diseases (OR = 2.723, 95%CI: 1.428-5.193, p = 0.002). Fetal outcomes revealed a significant association between GDM and respiratory distress/lack of oxygen in newborns (OR = 2.032, 95%CI: 1.085-3.805, p = 0.024), and infants of GDM patients had a higher risk of hypoglycemia (OR = 8.099, 95%CI: 3.350-19.581, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: We found that GDM increased the risk of complications such as eclampsia, thyroid problems, and postpartum hemorrhage. GDM was also associated with shorter pregnancy durations, higher cesarean section rates, and an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes post pregnancy. The study emphasized the importance of comprehensive GDM therapy and monitoring.

Awareness of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Among Women in the Al-Baha Region, Saudi Arabia.

Background Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a condition characterized by impaired glucose tolerance that develops during pregnancy. The prevalence of GDM is increasing globally, including in the Al-Baha region of Saudi Arabia. However, there needs to be more data on the awareness of women in this region regarding GDM and its associated risks. This research aimed to evaluate the level of awareness among women in the Al-Baha region regarding GDM. Methodology This study followed an observational cross-sectional design conducted from April 2023 to December 2023. A simple random sampling technique was used to select 457 participants from the resident women of reproductive age in the Al-Baha region. Data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire that assessed knowledge and awareness of GDM risk factors, assessment, therapy, and implications. The questionnaire included a 12-item section evaluating GDM awareness, with correct answers receiving a score of 1. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data with Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS, version 28) (IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Armonk, NY). Results The majority of participants fell into the age group of more than 36 years (n=207, 45.3%), with a significant proportion having completed university/diploma education (n=282, 61.7%), and most of them worked outside the health sector (n=283, 61.9%). Approximately 27.8% correctly identified that the number of pregnancies does not increase the chance of developing GDM. Only (n=48, 10.5%) accurately identified the usual time for diagnosing GDM in the absence of risk factors, which is between weeks 24 and 28 of pregnancy. Similarly, 26.0% (119 participants) correctly recognized a history of a previous pregnancy with a child weighing more than 4.5 kg as a factor that increases the suspicion of developing GDM in the future. However, it is important to note that the majority of participants (n=311, 68.1%) had a poor level of awareness regarding GDM. Conclusion The findings revealed that the overall level of knowledge about GDM was poor, with less than 10% of participants demonstrating adequate awareness. The study also highlighted that over 80% of the participants were unaware of GDM.

Awareness of Preeclampsia and Its Associated Factors Among Women in Al Baha Region, Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND: Preeclampsia is associated with the incidence of common fetal problems including intra-uterine growth restriction (IUGR), premature delivery oligohydramnios, placental abruption, fetal discomfort, and intrauterine fetal death. Pregnant women are not well-informed about preeclampsia, including its symptoms, risk factors, and consequences. The aim of the current study is to evaluate the awareness of preeclampsia and its associated factors among women in the Al Baha region, Saudi Arabia. METHODOLOGY: An observational cross-sectional design was employed to assess the awareness of preeclampsia and its associated factors among women in the Al Baha region of Saudi Arabia. Data was collected from April 2023 to September 2023. A questionnaire was designed to gather information on participants' sociodemographic characteristics (such as age, educational level, and residency) and their awareness of preeclampsia, including knowledge about signs/symptoms, risk factors, and complications. RESULTS: In the current study, we included 485 pregnant women. The majority of participants were aged 40 years or older (37.5%), followed by those aged 35-39 (20.4%). Among the participants, 70.9% confirmed that they had heard about pre-eclampsia before. The most common signs and symptoms were high blood pressure (47.4%), increased protein in urine (40.2%), continuous headache (39.2%), and vomiting/nausea (40.0%). Participants demonstrated awareness of obesity (29.7%), diabetes mellitus (35.5%), chronic hypertension (47.0%), and chronic kidney disease (31.3%) as major risk factors. Participants were aware of potential risks such as kidney disorders (34.6%), heart disorders (23.7%), and preterm delivery (50.9%). The analysis reveals that younger participants below 20 years old (3.3%) and lower educational levels (5.6%) had lower awareness of preeclampsia compared to older age groups. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study highlight a reasonable level of preeclampsia awareness and knowledge among Saudi Arabian women residing in the Al Baha region. While the majority of participants were familiar with preeclampsia, there were significant knowledge gaps regarding the precise symptoms, risk factors, and consequences of the condition.