Abstract P402: The Impact of Preeclampsia Education in Rural Communities

Ashley Hurd-Jackson; Mark Santillan; Kara Boeldt; Elissa Faro; Donna Santillan

doi:10.1161/hyp.81.suppl_1.P402

Abstract only Preeclampsia (PE) and other hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are the leading cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. There are 4,000 PE cases/year in IA. Rural counties are at a significantly higher risk of pregnancy-related mortality. A lack of PE education regarding signs and symptoms may contribute to this risk. PE complications and mortality may be preventable with early implementation of patient education on preeclampsia during pregnancy. Our objective was to determine if implementing a magnet as an intervention increases patients' knowledge of the signs and symptoms of PE. A magnet that includes common signs and symptoms of PE was designed to serve as an educational visual aid for patients. Pregnant patients ≥18 years old from two hospitals in Northwest IA were recruited. A pre-survey was given at a prenatal appointment prior to receiving the magnet. The post-magnet survey was administered during admission for delivery. The control group did not receive the magnet. Pre- and post-surveys asked about preeclampsia and current understanding, if they received a magnet, if it was referenced, number of healthcare visits, questions during visits about PE, and if they were diagnosed with PE. Between 8/23-5/24, 62 pre- and 83 post-magnet surveys were collected. Statistical analyses were performed using a 95% confidence interval with p<0.05 considered significant. Ages ranged from 18-42 years old, with majority Caucasian patients (69% in pre-survey and 58% in post-survey). Levels of highest education obtained ranged from 4 th grade to doctoral degree, with the majority completing high school as the highest level of education (29%).The magnet group rated their level of understanding of PE as good to excellent which was higher than both pre-intervention and control groups. Both control and magnet groups identified more symptoms and complications of PE on the post-survey compared to the pre-survey. Both control and magnet groups were noted to have increased discussions about preeclampsia with their physician. Lastly, both groups had increased knowledge on what to do if they developed symptoms on the post-survey compared to pre-survey responses. Of the magnet group, 71% thought receiving a magnet was helpful to increase awareness of PE. Implementation of a magnet increased patient literacy regarding the signs, symptoms, and complications of PE, discussions with physicians, and knowledge of what to do if patients develop symptoms of PE.

Abstract P402: The Impact of Preeclampsia Education in Rural Communities

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