Knowledge of Venous Thromboembolism Among Nigerian Pregnant Women: a Preliminary Survey for the 'move for Flow' Program

Abstract Background: Pregnancy is a significant risk factor for Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) which results in high maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality rates. Awareness creation is one of the preventable strategies of VTE. To this effect, we designed the 'Move for Flow' program aimed at maternal health education on VTE, its symptoms and preventive strategies. For the best implementation of this program, the current knowledge level of the relevant population is of great interest in guiding the program design and implementation. Aim: To assess the knowledge levels of VTE among Nigerian pregnant women. Methodology: In this cross-sectional survey, 1000 pregnant women residing in Enugu, Nigeria, completed a structured questionnaire which assessed their knowledge of VTE, its risk factors and prevention strategies. Quantitatively, their knowledge levels were categorized as no, poor, average and good knowledge. Results: The majority of the respondents did not know about pregnancy-related deep vein thrombosis (DVT) (80.8%) and pulmonary embolism (PE) (88.9). Predictors of DVT knowledge levels include husbands’ level of education ( at most secondary education) ( AOR=4.2; 95%CI =2.554-6.816; p= <0.001) and maternal age (AOR=0.9; 95% CI=0.930-0.999; p=0.044) while predictors of PE knowledge level include husbands’ level of education (at most secondary education) (AOR=2.1; 95%CI=1.005-4.436; p=0.048)and maternal occupation (professionals) (AOR=0.4; 95% CI=0.219-0.794; p=0.008) Conclusion: Pregnant women are unaware of pregnancy-related VTE in Enugu, Nigeria. Immediate designing and implementation of the 'Move for Flow' program are recommended to improve maternal knowledge levels of VTE.