The Perception of Pregnant Women on Preterm Labor and Behaviors for Prevention of Preterm Labor

Abstract

The purposes of this descriptive research was to study the perception of preterm labor, preterm labor preventive behaviors and examine the relationship between both thereof among pregnant women. The samples were 206 pregnant women who were 14 years old or over, 20 to 37 weeks gestational age who visited ANC clinic in Sawanpracharak Hospital during July to September, 2014. The samples were drawn by simple random sampling. Data were collected by a structured questionnaire composed of demographic data, perception of preterm labor and preterm labor preventive behaviors. Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics including frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation. Pearson’s product moment correlation coefficient was used to determine the relationship.

          The results revealed that the overall perception of preterm labor was at moderate level. The overall behaviors for prevention of preterm labor were at high level. The overall perception of preterm labor and perception of barriers to preterm labor prevention had a positive significantly correlation with behaviors for prevention of preterm labor (r = .303 and .297 respectively). These findings can be used as a guideline for launching activities to enhance appropriate preterm labor preventive behaviors by motivating them to having appropriate attitude toward on health care behaviors for preventing preterm labor.