Knowledge and Prevalence of Placenta Previa in a Tertiary Health Institution in Southeast Nigeria

Background: Placenta previa, a condition where the placenta partially or completely covers the cervix, poses significant risks to both mother and fetus during pregnancy. This study aimed to assess the knowledge of placenta previa and its prevalence among pregnant women in a tertiary health institution in Southeast Nigeria.

Materials and Methods: This prospective descriptive study was conducted over two years, from January 2021 to December 2022. The study involved 8,766 pregnant women who delivered during the study period. Data were collected using structured, interviewer-administered questionnaires. Placenta previa was diagnosed via abdominal ultrasonography and managed according to the MacAfee regimen. Caesarean sections were performed for all diagnosed cases, with confirmation intraoperatively. Descriptive statistics and prevalence calculations were done using SPSS version 26.

Results: The majority of participants (61.02%) had never heard of placenta previa. Of those aware, 36.14% learned about it through social media and 34.06% from healthcare professionals. Most participants (83.22%) could not identify the symptoms. The prevalence of placenta previa was 1.07%. Educational level, marital status, employment status, and obstetric history influenced awareness. The study also found that 93.36% of participants believed early antenatal care could aid in early diagnosis.

Conclusion: Awareness of placenta previa among pregnant women in this institution was low, despite its potential severity. However, the prevalence was relatively low. Increased education on pregnancy complications and the importance of early antenatal care is crucial for better management and outcomes of placenta previa.