Department of Health Studies, College of Human Sciences, University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa; and, Council of Medical Schemes, Pretoria.
Curationis. 2021 Sep 21;44(1):e1-e8. doi: 10.4102/curationis.v44i1.2195.
Preeclampsia is one of the causes of maternal deaths and is also responsible for complications such as premature births worldwide. In South Africa, hypertensive disorders cause 14% of all maternal deaths. Evidence indicates that it may be beneficial to empower women to monitor their blood pressure (BP) in the comfort of their homes.
The purpose of this study was to explore and describe preeclampsia patients' knowledge and attitudes towards the self-monitoring of their BP.
An exploratory, descriptive and contextual qualitative research study was conducted. Fourteen preeclampsia patients were purposively sampled and participated in the study. In-depth semi-structured interviews were used to collect data. Data were analysed using the thematic analytic approach.
The knowledge and attitudes towards the self-monitoring of blood pressure (SMBP) were explored. Four themes emerged, namely understanding of hypertension disorders during pregnancy, openness on self-monitoring at home, its hindrances and benefits. The participants portrayed limited understanding and knowledge of preeclampsia, yet they had positive attitudes towards monitoring BP themselves and were open and willing to do self-monitoring at home.
The use of SMBP may relieve overcrowding in public healthcare institutions. Encouraging patients to participate in self-monitoring could promote active participation and a positive outlook on their pregnancies. The unavailability and unaffordability of the equipment may pose a challenge to women with a low socioeconomic status.
子痫前期是导致产妇死亡的原因之一，也是全球范围内早产等并发症的罪魁祸首。在南非，高血压疾病导致了 14%的产妇死亡。有证据表明，让女性在家中自行监测血压（BP）可能会有所帮助。
本研究旨在探讨和描述子痫前期患者对自我监测血压（SMBP）的知识和态度。
采用探索性、描述性和情境性的定性研究方法。我们对 14 名子痫前期患者进行了有目的的抽样，并让他们参与了这项研究。采用深入的半结构式访谈来收集数据。使用主题分析方法对数据进行分析。
我们探讨了患者对自我监测血压的知识和态度。出现了四个主题，即对妊娠期间高血压疾病的理解、对在家中自我监测的开放性、其障碍和益处。参与者对子痫前期的理解和认识有限，但他们对自我监测血压持积极态度，并且对在家中进行自我监测持开放和愿意的态度。
使用 SMBP 可能会减轻公共医疗机构的拥挤状况。鼓励患者参与自我监测可以促进他们对妊娠的积极参与和积极态度。设备的不可用性和不可负担性可能会对子痫前期患者带来挑战。
