Neonatal danger signs and healthcare seeking behaviours: A cross-sectional study in Karachi amongst pregnant females

To assess knowledge among pregnant women regarding neonatal danger signs and to evaluate their healthcare seeking behaviour. The cross-sectional study was conducted at Civil Hospital, Karachi, from February to April 2018, and comprised pregnant females presenting to the hospital. They were interviewed through a structured questionnaire. Participants' knowledge regarding 12 neonatal danger signs was assessed. Those who could identify 3 or more such signs were considered to have a good knowledge. Data was analysed using SPSS 23. There were 468 subjects with a mean age of 25.17±5.18 years. Of the total, 416(88.9%) women were aged 18-35 years. Overall, 72(15%) subjects had good knowledge, while 366(78%) could identify at least one danger sign. Also, 318(82%) participants preferred visiting a hospital / clinic to seek healthcare. There was a severe lack of knowledge among pregnant women regarding neonatal danger signs. However, most participants realised the necessity of taking their neonate to a hospital / clinic for proper healthcare.