Postpartum haemorrhage and eclampsia: differences in knowledge and care-seeking behaviour in two districts of Bangladesh.
In high- and low-performing districts of Bangladesh, the study explored the demand-side of maternal healthcare by looking at differences in perceived knowledge and care-seeking behaviours of women in relation to postpartum haemorrhage or eclampsia. Haemorrhage and eclampsia are two major causes of maternal mortality in Bangladesh. The study was conducted during July 2006-December 2007. Both postpartum bleeding and eclampsia were recognized by women of different age-groups as severe and life-threatening obstetric complications. However, a gap existed between perception and actual care-seeking behaviours which could contribute to the high rate of maternal deaths associated with these conditions. There were differences in care-seeking practices among women in the two different areas of Bangladesh, which may reflect sociocultural differences, disparities in economic and educational opportunities, and a discrimination in the availability of care.
Kalim
Nahid
N
Public Health Sciences Division, ICDDR,B, G.P.O. Box 128, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh. kanti@icddrb.org
Anwar
Iqbal
I
Khan
Jasmin
J
Blum
Lauren S
LS
Moran
Allisyn C
AC
Botlero
Roslin
R
Koblinsky
Marge
M
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001459:Bangladesh; D004461:Eclampsia / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008428:Maternal Mortality; D008875:Middle Aged; D007744:Obstetric Labor Complications / Q000628:therapy; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D011181:Postnatal Care; D006473:Postpartum Hemorrhage / Q000628:therapy; D011247:Pregnancy; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D055815:Young Adult