Background of the Study
Hypertension during pregnancy, often referred to as pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH), is a significant health condition that affects maternal and fetal health. This condition includes preeclampsia, eclampsia, and gestational hypertension, all of which pose a risk of complications such as stroke, organ damage, and premature birth (Adebayo et al., 2023). Studies have shown that hypertension in pregnancy is a leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality worldwide (Okunola et al., 2023). Nurses, as frontline healthcare providers, are in a pivotal position to identify, monitor, and manage pregnant women with hypertension, thus playing a crucial role in improving maternal outcomes.
Babcock University Teaching Hospital (BUTH) in Ogun State is one of Nigeria's prominent healthcare institutions providing maternity care. The hospital has a diverse patient population, and hypertension is a frequent concern in pregnant women attending its maternal health services. Despite the significance of hypertension in pregnancy, the awareness and knowledge of nurses regarding its effects on maternal health are often inadequately addressed in routine training. This gap in knowledge and awareness can directly influence nurses' ability to detect early signs of hypertension-related complications and provide timely interventions.
While nurses in BUTH may have some level of awareness of hypertension's risks, it is essential to investigate how comprehensive their knowledge is about the various forms of hypertension in pregnancy, their understanding of its effects on maternal health, and how they incorporate this knowledge into practice. Understanding the extent of this awareness can provide insights into the need for further educational initiatives, training, and interventions that will equip nurses with the necessary skills to manage hypertensive disorders in pregnant women effectively.
Statement of the Problem
Hypertension during pregnancy is a critical health issue that demands immediate attention, as its complications can be life-threatening for both the mother and fetus. Although nurses are essential in maternal health management, there is limited research on the awareness levels of Nigerian nurses regarding the effects of hypertension on maternal health, particularly at Babcock University Teaching Hospital. It is unclear whether nurses are equipped with the knowledge to detect, manage, and educate pregnant women effectively about hypertension and its associated risks.
Nurses' lack of adequate awareness could lead to delayed interventions and missed opportunities for early treatment, putting pregnant women at a higher risk of severe outcomes, such as preterm delivery, stroke, and organ damage (Ibrahim et al., 2024). This study aims to address this gap by investigating nurses' awareness of the effects of hypertension on maternal health, ultimately guiding improvements in training and care practices to enhance maternal outcomes.
Objectives of the Study
Research Questions
Research Hypotheses
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study will focus on nurses working in the maternal health units of Babcock University Teaching Hospital, Ogun State. It will assess their knowledge and awareness of the effects of hypertension on maternal health, their clinical practices, and the factors influencing their knowledge. Limitations of the study may include the reliance on self-reported data, potential biases in the responses, and challenges in generalizing the findings to other institutions without similar conditions.
Definitions of Terms
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