Original Research Nurses’ knowledge to identify, prevent and manage hypertensive disorder of pregnancy

Princess Z. Mkhize, Vinogrin Dorsamy, Olive P. Khaliq, Jagidesa Moodley

South African Family Practice | Vol 66, No 1 : Part 4| a5995 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/safp.v66i1.5995 | © 2024 Princess Z. Mkhize, Vinogrin Dorsamy, Olive P. Khaliq, Jagidesa Moodley | This work is licensed under CC Attribution 4.0
Submitted: 10 June 2024 | Published: 08 November 2024

About the author(s) Princess Z. Mkhize, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
Vinogrin Dorsamy, School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
Olive P. Khaliq, Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
Jagidesa Moodley, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa

Abstract

Background: Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are major contributors to maternal mortality in South Africa. Preventative strategies in low- and middle-income countries emphasise frequent antenatal visits, symptom identification, patient education and the prophylactic use of calcium and low-dose aspirin to prevent HDP for nurses because they are the frontline workers at antenatal clinics countrywide.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional study where a self-administered questionnaire was conducted among nurses (midwives and professional nurses) employed at hospitals and clinics in Durban, South Africa, to assess their understanding and practices regarding identification and initial management of HDP, particularly for eclampsia and PE with severe features. The questionnaires were distributed in person by the researcher.

Results: Of the 106 respondents, most (88.7%) worked in the public sector, with over 5 years of experience (64.9%). There was a varied understanding of HDP categories: 72.6% identified gestational hypertension correctly; 49.1%, chronic hypertension; 93.4% PE and 83.0% eclampsia. Knowledge of the recommended treatments for severe PE (55.7%) and eclampsia (66.0%) was moderate with respect to the recommended anticonvulsant and rapid-acting antihypertensive agents, with only 10% recognising the role of aspirin for the prevention of HDP.

Conclusion: Substantial knowledge deficiencies existed among nurses in managing HDP.

Contribution: Their crucial role in both emergency and preventative care in South African healthcare settings, enhancing educational training on clinical management by providing continuous training and regular updates are imperative to reduce maternal and perinatal complications associated with HDP.

Keywords

nurses; knowledge; practice; preeclampsia; eclampsia; low-and-middle-income-countries; hypertensive disorders of pregnancy; management

Sustainable Development Goal

Goal 3: Good health and well-being

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