KNOWLEDGE OF PREGNANCY INDUCED HYPERTENSION AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN ATTENDING ANTENATAL CARE IN SELECTED PRIMARY HEALTH CARE CENTRES IN MAIDUGURI METROPOLITAN COUNCIL

Pregnancy Induced Hypertension is a major health threat in developing countries including Nigeria. However, there is limited data of this study in Nigeria, specifically the north eastern geopolitical zone. The aim of this study was to assess the level of knowledge of Pregnancy Induced Hypertension(PIH) among pregnant women attending antenatal care in selected primary healthcare centres in Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, Borno State. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among pregnant women. One hundred and thirty-three (133) participants were recruited for the study. Data was collected using an adapted questionnaire to assess the knowledge of PIH. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics of Frequency and Percentage and association was determined using Chi-square. The result of this study was analysed using SPSS version 22. Out of the 133 participants, majority were within the age of 26-30(45.86%) and the lowest participants were within the ages of 40-45(3.76%). Most of them had no formal education (33.1%). The highest percentage of the participants were multiparous (51.12%) and the least percentage were nulliparous (21.80%). Majority of the participants were business owners (43.60%) and a least percentage were students (0.75%). There was a high statistical significant association between the socio-demographics and knowledge of PIH (p-value0.001). it was concluded that majority of the participants had good knowledge of PIH. Recommendation was given for Public Health Education on PIH in communities in order to maintain and promote maternal and pregnancy health state.