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Community awareness, perceptions, and management practices related to pre-eclampsia: An exploratory qualitative study in Mbale City, Eastern Uganda

Article scientifique 2026 Anglais

Résumé

BACKGROUND: Pre-eclampsia and other hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are the second leading cause of maternal mortality globally, with 95% of deaths occurring in low- and middle-income countries. In Uganda, these conditions account for approximately 16% of maternal deaths. Despite their burden, little is known about women's knowledge, perceptions, and management practices regarding pre-eclampsia in such settings, yet early recognition and care-seeking are critical to improving outcomes. OBJECTIVE: To explore community awareness, perceptions, and management practices related to pre-eclampsia in Mbale City, Eastern Uganda. METHODS: An exploratory qualitative study was conducted through face-to-face interviews with 81 women aged 18-49 years during a community outreach event on pre-eclampsia. Data was collected over six days (21st-26th May 2024) by 28 trained research midwives stationed at various community sites. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and thematically analyzed using ATLAS.ti software. RESULTS: Participants exhibited limited and mixed understanding of pre-eclampsia, often associating it with symptoms such as swollen feet, headaches, body weakness, and high blood pressure, but also with misconceptions such as witchcraft, marital stress, and multiple pregnancies. Many lacked a local term for the condition. Women reported varied care-seeking responses, with some turning to traditional birth attendants and herbal remedies, while others sought biomedical care. Fear of death was a motivator for some to seek timely medical attention. CONCLUSION: There was a critical gap in accurate knowledge and awareness of pre-eclampsia among women in Mbale City. Misconceptions and reliance on traditional remedies contribute to delayed care-seeking. Targeted, culturally appropriate educational interventions are urgently needed to improve early recognition, promote biomedical care, and enhance maternal and newborn outcomes.

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Kagoya, E., Nsubuga, A., Atuhairwe, I., Nakattudde, P., Asiimwe, C., Gidudu, C., Ajalo, E., Waako, P., Wandabwa, J., Arach, L., Atwakire, G., Musaba, M., Kibuuka, R., Nyangoma, F., Mbanago, S., Mugabi, J., Chemutai, V., Atugonza, J., Ewaala, B., Nakawuka, B., Okello, F., Mugahi, R., Akello, J., Twineamatsiko, A., Adroma, M., Mugabe, K. (2026). Community awareness, perceptions, and management practices related to pre-eclampsia: An exploratory qualitative study in Mbale City, Eastern Uganda. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0314674

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Auteur(s)

Enid Kawala Kagoya Allan G. Nsubuga Irene Atuhairwe Prossy Nakattudde Catherine Asiimwe Chrispus Gidudu Elizabeth Ajalo Paul Waako Julius Wandabwa Lawrence Arach Grace Mbabazi Atwakire Milton Musaba Ronald Kibuuka Faith Nyangoma Sheilla Mbanago Joshua Mugabi Violet Chemutai Jesca Atugonza Byron Jonathan Ewaala Betty Nakawuka Francis Okello Richard Mugahi Jackline Akello Andrew Twineamatsiko Moses Adroma Kenneth Mugabe

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