Pregnancy-related information seeking and Associated Factors among Pregnant Women at Health Facilities in Debre Tabor Town, Northwest Ethiopia.

Abstract

Abstract Introduction: Pregnant women require health information to empower them while engaging in preventive health behavior, improving self-care abilities, and reducing anxiety. Some of the challenges are a lack of proper information about pregnancyrelated

complications and problems. The practice of seeking health information is critical in reducing risk factors and raising awareness of the value of pregnancyrelated information for current and future outcomes.

Objective:

This study aimed to assess health information seeking and associated factors among pregnant women in Debre Tabor town health facilities, Northwest Ethiopia, 2022. Methods: An institution-based cross-sectional survey was conducted among pregnant women in Debre Tabor town health facilities from May 01 to July 01, 2022. A total of 423 participants were selected using a census method. An interviewerbased

questionnaire was used to collect the required data. Data entry and analysis were performed using Epi info 7.2 versions and SPSS version 26 respectively. Descriptive statistics, bivariable and multivariable logistic regression model was used to assess factors associated with pregnancy-related information seeking with a 95% confidence interval and adjusted odds ratio, and P<0.05 was considered to measure statistically significant variables. Result: The proportion of pregnancy-related information seeking among pregnant women was 52.7% (48.2, 57.5). The mean age of the study participants was 28.29 ± 4.96 SD years and 59.3% of pregnant women were urban residents. Place of residence (AOR=2.08, CI=1.2, 3.59), Occupation (AOR=3.03, CI=1.46, 6.27), digital literacy (AOR=1.74, CI=1.01, 2.99), self-efficacy (AOR= 6.59, CI=3.88, 11.17), perceive severity to pregnancy-related complication (AOR=3.67, CI=2.16, 6.23) were significant factors associated with pregnancy-related information seeking. Conclusion: Pregnancy-related information seeking among pregnant women was found low. An increasing level of digital literacy and giving awareness of pregnancy-related complications could improve PRI seeking of pregnant women. Keywords: Pregnancy-related information seeking, information seeking, pregnant women, Debre Tabor town, Ethiopia