Socio-demographic Correlates of Age and Educational background, and Preventive Strategies of Pregnancy related complications among Childbearing Mothers in Enugu State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined the socio-demographic correlates of age and educational background, as well as preventive strategies for pregnancy-related complications among childbearing mothers in Enugu State, Nigeria. Three research questions and three hypotheses guided the study. A correlational research design was adopted. The population comprised 34,624 childbearing mothers registered in seven general hospitals in the State: Agbani, Awgu, Enugu-Ezike, Enugu Metropolis, Isi-Uzo, Nsukka, and Udi. A sample of 515 respondents was determined using the Taro Yamane formula. A multi-stage sampling procedure involving stratified and proportionate sampling techniques was employed. Data were collected using a researcher-designed 13-item questionnaire validated by three experts. Reliability was established using Cronbach’s alpha, yielding a coefficient of 0.80, indicating acceptable internal consistency. The instrument was administered during antenatal clinic sessions with the assistance of five research assistants. Of the 515 questionnaires distributed, 431 (83.7%) were completed and returned for analysis. Data were analyzed using mean, standard deviation, and Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation Coefficient, while hypotheses were tested using the t-test at a 0.05 level of significance. Findings revealed
strong positive relationships between age and pregnancy-related complications (r = .89) and between educational background and pregnancy-related complications (r = .83). There was no significant difference in the mean responses of urban and rural respondents regarding preventive strategies for pregnancy-related complications (p > .05). The study concluded that age and educational level are significantly associated with pregnancy-related complications. It recommends intensified antenatal education on the risks of teenage and late pregnancies, regular antenatal care attendance, and educational materials to reinforce preventive strategies.