Prevention and management of Pre-eclampsia related maternal mortality During ANC in the Buea Health District.

The study highlights the significant issue of maternal mortality in Cameroon, where 12–13 women die daily from pregnancy-related causes, despite a global decline in maternal mortality rates. The research aimed to determine the prevalence of preeclampsia, a major factor in maternal mortality, and evaluate the effectiveness of antenatal care (ANC) practices in reducing its impact. Methods : A cross-sectional study was conducted, reviewing records from 2017–2021 in the BHD. The study used a simple random sampling technique to select facilities and pregnant women attending ANC. A sample of 200 women was assessed for their knowledge of ANC and factors hindering positive ANC practices. The study also measured the prevalence and management of preeclampsia among these women. Data were analyzed using SPSS Version 23. Results : Out of 4,707 records reviewed, the prevalence of preeclampsia was 4.97% (234 cases). Knowledge of ANC was high, with 84% of women understanding its importance. Significant associations were found between ANC knowledge and factors such as religion (X²=12.029, p = 0.007), education level (X²=10.641, p = 0.031), and income (X²=8.061, p = 0.045). Other socio-demographic factors showed no significant association. Multivariate analysis indicated that ANC is effective in managing preeclampsia, with 95.3% of women successfully managed during ANC. Logistic regression analysis identified long distance to facilities (40%), financial limitations (36.5%), and long waiting times (37.5%) as barriers to ANC attendance. Conclusion : The prevalence of preeclampsia among women attending ANC in the BHD is high. Most women have adequate knowledge of ANC, which is crucial for managing preeclampsia. Effective ANC utilization is essential, but factors like trust in healthcare, distance to facilities, and financial constraints significantly affect ANC attendance and frequency. Addressing these barriers could improve maternal health outcomes in Cameroon.