Revista de SIDA e investigación clínica

Risks, Diagnosis and Treatment of Preeclampsia In Western Uganda: Do Health Workers Know What To Do?

Abstract

Vian Namanya, Ubaldo Sobimana

Preeclampsia is one of the leading causes of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality Worldwide. The risk of maternal death is much more common in developing countries than developed countries. Therefore it is necessary to recognize the signs and symptoms to predict the disease before it threatens the survival of both mother and fetus since it complicates about 3% of all pregnancies. Health workers like midwives, clinicians and doctors are the primary care givers in treating, understanding and explaining preeclampsia, its diagnosis, risk factors and complications as delay in diagnosis and prompt initiation of treatment could result in disastrous consequences for both the mother and the baby. The risk of maternal death is very high in lower health centers where there no enough trained doctors and other HWs. There is also inadequate supply of drugs used in management of preeclampsia. The study seeks to ascertain whether there are gaps in knowledge and practices by health workers in Bushenyi district contributing to the nationally high mortality rate in rural areas due to pre-eclampsia.36 health workers handling preeclampsia mothers in Bushenyi district were randomly selected and administered a questionnaire to assess their skills and knowledge. Study found that most health workers knew about preeclampsia, its risks but 46% knew less about HELLP syndrome. This study also finds that 52% of the health workers could not adequately prescribe magnesium sulphate and 46% could not signs of magnesium toxicity.

The researchers recommend more refresher course for health workers in Bushenyi and Uganda at large as well as emphasizing use of preeclampsia phone applications and strengthening hands on training for students in health training institutions.