KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDES AND PRACTICES RELATED TOPREGNANCYAMONG PREGNANT WOMEN IN SAMAR, PHILIPPINES.

Pregnancy is one of the most profound times in a woman’s life. It is marked by variety of physical changes, as well as the thoughts and feelings that sometimes overwhelm the pregnant woman to be conscious about her pregnancy. Health knowledge, attitudes and practices are vital elements to enable the pregnant women to be aware of their health status and the importance of appropriate maternal self - care.This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes and practices related to pregnancy among pregnant women in Barangay San Andres, Catbalogan City, Province of Samar, Philippines. A descriptive-cross sectional method was adopted for this research and the data were collected over a period of two months from April 18 to August 17, 2013. One hundred pregnant women who were presented as the sample respondents were requested to complete the questionnaires regarding pregnancy. More than half (63%) of the respondents (n = 63) scored within the score range of 12 to 15 which is interpreted as “Good Knowledge”. In general, respondents have “positive attitude” and their typical practice related to pregnancy was interpreted as “poorly practiced” as supported by the grand means of 4.19 of 2.50 respectively.Vast majority of the pregnant women had very good knowledge (pregnant women were sufficiently knowledgeable with the concepts with regards to pregnancy), positive attitude (m = 4.19), and poorpractice (m = 2.5) in relation to pregnancy. The researchers would like to recommend that pregnant women should indulge in activities; campaign and other program and there should be a foregoing analysis that will help improve their knowledge, attitudes and practices and will enable them to provide appropriate health teachings on pregnancy related concepts.