OBSTETRIC DANGER SIGNS EXPERIENCE AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG WOMEN WHO GAVE BIRTH IN HARAR TOWN, EASTERN ETHIOPIA

Abstract

Background: Obstetric danger signs are early indicators of complications during pregnancy, childbirth, and in the postpartum period. Prior studies were limited to women's awareness on obstetric danger signs, but not on their prevalence. Therefore there is a need for evidences to assess its prevalence and identify associated factors to improve the provision of care. Objective: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of obstetric danger signs and associated factors among women who gave birth in the past twelve months in Harar town, Eastern Ethiopia, from June 1 to 30, 2024. Method: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 582 women. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews. The data were entered into Epi Data version 4.6 and then exported to SPSS version 26 for analysis. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the participants' characteristics through frequency tables and figures. Binary logistic regression was employed to identify factors associated with experiencing obstetric danger signs. Associations were expressed using adjusted odds ratios (AOR) along with 95% confidence intervals (CI). A p value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Result: Out of 588 women, 582 (98.9%) participated in the study. Among them, 178 women (30.6%, 95% CI: 26.9–34.5) experienced at least one obstetric danger sign during pregnancy, childbirth, or the postpartum. Factors significantly associated with experiencing at least one danger sign included being under the age of 20 [AOR = 4.84; 95% CI (1.60, 14.67)], preconception care utilization[ (AOR = 0.43; 95% CI (0.24, 0.77)], unplanned pregnancy [AOR = 2.69; 95% CI (1.51, 4.80)], late initiation of antenatal care [AOR = 2.37; 95% CI (1.48, 3.78)], good knowledge about obstetric danger signs [AOR = 3.60; 95% CI (2.27, 5.72)], and having a preexisting medical illness [AOR = 4.93; 95% CI (2.54, 9.56)]. Conclusion: One third of women were experienced at least one obstetric danger signs. Promoting early antenatal and preconception care are essential for preventing obstetric complications.