A Study to assess the Knowledge Regarding Identification of High Risk Pregnancy among Students of Selected ANM Schools of Hassan with a view to Develop a Information Booklet

Most women in the world do not have access to the health care and health education services that they need during pregnancy. In many developing countries, complications of pregnancy and childbirth are the leading causes of death among women of reproductive age. More than one woman every minute and 6 lac women every year die due to high risk pregnancy. 1% of these deaths occur in developed countries, could be avoided if resources and services were made available. A descriptive research approach with Pretest design adopted. The study includes 60 ANM students who were selected as sample by non probability purposive sampling technique. The study was conducted in selected ANM schools of Hassan. Demographic data, structured knowledge questionnaire and development of information booklet were prepared for data collection procedure. The tool was finalized by consulting seven experts in the field of nursing. Pilot study was done for its clarity, unambiguity&feasibility on similar subject. Demographic data of the ANM students were presented in graphs. Association of variables was tested by Chi-square with Yates correction test. The age the students age below 18 years have mean value of 79.4%, the age group between 18-22 years have the mean value 77.5%, the students above 22 years age have mean value 75%, the religion Muslim students have maximum mean percentage knowledge value (85%), The students who are unmarried have the mean percentage knowledge value 78.8%, where as the married students have the value of 76.4%, widows have 76.65% and divorced have 77.5%. The students belong to nuclear family have the mean knowledge 79.6% and joint family has 76.21%, who study with education loan have the mean knowledge 77.8%. The students stay in hostel have the mean knowledge 78.8%, those stay in rented room have the mean knowledge 75.5% and those stay with family have the mean knowledge 76.75%. The students admitted to ANM course after PUC have the mean knowledge 83.35%, students admitted after SSLC have the mean knowledge 77.1% where as the students after degree have the mean knowledge 75%. The second year ANM students have more mean knowledge 78.05% where as first year students have 76.55% mean knowledge. The Association between Level of Knowledge and Demographic Variables was checked. The chi square value of the demographic variables was above 0.50 so it shows no significance between Level of Knowledge and Demographic Variables. Throughout time, care of pregnant mothers has been based on one over-riding objective that each pregnancy should result in a healthy mother and baby. Whilst the majority of pregnancies will progress satisfactorily with minimal intervention from the caring professionals, there will always be the need to identify those high risk pregnancy groups for whom a greater degree of care is required.²