Postpartum haemorrhage and eclampsia: Differences in knowledge and care-seeking behaviour in two districts of Bangladesh

Nahid Kalim, Iqbal Anwar, Jasmin Khan, Lauren S. Blum, Allisyn C. Moran, Roslin Botlero, Marge Koblinsky

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

21 Scopus citations

Abstract

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.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)156-169
Number of pages14
JournalJournal of Health, Population and Nutrition
Volume27
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 2009
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Bangladesh
  • Beliefs
  • Care-seeking behaviour
  • Eclampsia
  • Maternal mortality
  • Postpartum haemorrhage
  • Qualitative research

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Food Science
  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
  • Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis

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