A study to assess the knowledge of risk factors about pregnancy induced hypertension and the availability of supplies among health care workers in the selected health care facilities in Sebha, Libya

Pre-eclampsia and eclampsia are the hypertensive disorders of pregnancy that affect 5-10% of all pregnancies. Pre-eclampsia remains one of the leading causes for maternal and foetal/ neonatal mortality and morbidity affecting 2-5% of all pregnancies in the occidental world, but up to 10% in developing countries. The aim of the study was to assess the knowledge of health care workers about pregnancy induced hypertension; find out the risk factors and availability of supplies in the selected health care facilities. A descriptive study was conducted to assess the knowledge, risk factors about pregnancy induced hypertension and the availability of supplies among health care workers in the selected health care facilities in Sebha, Libya. Purposive sampling technique was employed to select sample and it consisted of 138 health care workers. Data was collected using structured interview schedule. Findings of the study showed that majority 76 (55.1%) had adequate knowledge about pregnancy induced hypertension and 62 (44.9%) had inadequate knowledge about pregnancy induced hypertension. Almost all health workers (99%) knew methyldopa is the drug used to control raised blood pressure. To control and prevent eclampsia, 95% of health care workers given magnesium sulphate. Finding of the study indicated the need to conduct frequent assessment of knowledge and risk factors of pregnancy induced hypertension among health care workers. Awareness programmes should be conducted among the health care workers to promote their knowledge about pregnancy induced hypertension.