Incidence, Risk Factors and Awareness of Pregnant Women Regarding Fetal Congenital Anomalies

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Demonstrator of Obstetrics and Gynecological Nursing, Faculty of Nursing - Zagazig University, Egypt,

2 Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecologic Nursing, Faculty of Nursing - Zagazig University, Egypt

3 Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecologic Nursing, Faculty of Nursing - Zagazig University, Egypt

4 Lecturer of Obstetrics and Gynecologic Nursing, Faculty of Nursing - Zagazig University, Egypt.

Abstract

Background: Congenital abnormalities are a public health problem and the major cause of morbidity and mortality in early life in developing and developed nations. Aim of the study: Was to evaluate incidence, risk factors and awareness of pregnant women regarding fetal congenital anomalies. Subjects and Methods; Research design: A descriptive design was
used to carry out this study. Setting: The study was conducted at outpatient clinic fetal medicine and ultrasound unit at Zagazig university hospitals in Sharkia Governorate, Egypt. Subjects: Purposive sample of all pregnant women who attended the selected setting. Tools of data collection: Three tools were used for data collection; a structured interviewing
questionnaire, risk factors of fetal congenital anomalies assessment questionnaire and pregnant women awareness questionnaire regarding fetal congenital anomalies. Results: The incidence of fetal congenital anomalies among the studied pregnant women was 7.3%. Consanguinity, exposing to x-rays, pesticides air pollution and viral infection, untaken of folic acid and take drugs during pregnancy, having diabetes and polyhydramnios increased the odds of developing fetal congenital anomalies. More than three quarters of the studied pregnant women with fetal with congenital anomalies had unsatisfactory level of total awareness regarding fetal congenital anomalies. Conclusion: There was highly significant
negative correlation between total women’s awareness and exposure to x-rays, pesticides and heavy materials as lead and mercury. Also, there was a statistically negative correlation between total women’ awareness and eating uncooked meat and malnutrition. Recommendations: Employing educational nursing programs can help in raising women's
awareness and preventive measures about CAs. Premarital testing and preconception counseling particularly for consanguineous married couples can be extremely helpful in educating about potential dangers and assisting them in making well-informed decisions on family planning.

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