Knowledge Regarding Management of Minor Ailments during Pregnancy among Antenatal Mothers in Selected Areas of Aizawl, Mizoram

Abstract

Introduction: Pregnancy is a normal physiological condition accompanied by various minor ailments such as nausea and vomiting, heartburn, constipation, backache, fatigue, leg cramps, and frequent urination. Although these conditions are generally not life-threatening, they can affect the comfort, daily activities, and overall well-being of antenatal mothers. Adequate knowledge regarding the management of these minor ailments is essential for promoting maternal health and preventing unnecessary complications. Title of the Study: Knowledge regarding Management of Minor Ailments during Pregnancy among Antenatal Mothers in Selected Areas of Aizawl, Mizoram. Objectives: The objectives of the study were to assess the knowledge regarding the management of minor ailments during pregnancy among antenatal mothers and to determine the association between knowledge level and selected demographic variables. Methodology: A quantitative approach with a descriptive cross-sectional research design was adopted for the study. The sample consisted of 60 antenatal mothers selected through a non-probability convenience sampling technique from Health and Wellness Centres under Aizawl East District, Mizoram. Data were collected using a self-structured knowledge questionnaire. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics with SPSS version 25. Results: The findings revealed that 65% of antenatal mothers had moderately adequate knowledge, 18.3% had adequate knowledge, and 16.7% had inadequate knowledge regarding the management of minor ailments during pregnancy. No statistically significant association was found between knowledge level and selected demographic variables (p > 0.05). Conclusion: The study concluded that the majority of antenatal mothers possessed moderately adequate knowledge regarding the management of minor ailments during pregnancy. However, there remains a need for strengthened health education and counselling to improve maternal knowledge. Healthcare professionals should provide focused education and guidance during antenatal visits to enhance awareness and promote appropriate self-care measures during pregnancy.

Introduction

This study assessed the knowledge of antenatal mothers regarding the management of minor ailments during pregnancy among women attending Health and Wellness Centres in Aizawl East District, Mizoram. Minor ailments such as nausea and vomiting, heartburn, constipation, backache, fatigue, leg cramps, and frequent urination are common during pregnancy and, although not usually life-threatening, can significantly affect maternal comfort and quality of life. Proper knowledge of self-care and timely management is essential to reduce discomfort and promote healthy pregnancy outcomes.

Background

Previous studies have shown that many pregnant women have inadequate knowledge about managing minor pregnancy-related ailments. While antenatal education is known to improve maternal awareness and self-care practices, limited research has been conducted in Mizoram, where socio-cultural practices and healthcare accessibility may influence maternal knowledge.

Objectives

The study aimed to:

• Assess the knowledge of antenatal mothers regarding the management of minor ailments during pregnancy.
• Determine the association between knowledge levels and selected socio-demographic variables.

Methodology

A quantitative descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 60 antenatal mothers attending selected Ayushman Arogya Mandir–Sub Centres (AAM-SC) in Aizawl East District. Participants were selected using non-probability convenience sampling. Data were collected using:

• A demographic questionnaire.
• A self-structured knowledge questionnaire on the management of minor ailments during pregnancy.

The research tool was validated by experts and demonstrated acceptable reliability (Cronbach's alpha = 0.78). Ethical approval and informed consent were obtained before data collection.

Key Findings

The demographic profile showed that:

• 56.7% of participants were aged 31 years or older.
• 46.7% had higher education.
• 65% were housewives.
• 98.3% lived in urban areas.
• 50% belonged to nuclear families.
• 46.7% received health information mainly from healthcare professionals or community health programs.

Regarding knowledge:

• 65% had moderately adequate knowledge.
• 18.3% had adequate knowledge.
• 16.7% had inadequate knowledge.

Statistical analysis found that source of information was the only demographic factor significantly associated with knowledge level (p = 0.035). Variables such as age, education, occupation, duration of marriage, residence, family type, number of children, dietary habits, and physical activity showed no significant association.

Discussion

The findings suggest that although most antenatal mothers possess a moderate understanding of managing common pregnancy-related minor ailments, important knowledge gaps remain. Healthcare professionals and community health programs play a crucial role in improving maternal knowledge, highlighting the importance of strengthening antenatal education services.

Conclusion

The present study concluded that the majority of antenatal mothers had moderately adequate knowledge regarding the management of minor ailments during pregnancy, while a smaller proportion had adequate or inadequate knowledge. Although the findings indicate a satisfactory level of awareness among most participants, gaps in knowledge still exist, highlighting the need for continuous maternal health education.A statistically significant association was found between knowledge level and source of information, indicating that antenatal mothers who received information from health professionals and community health programs demonstrated better knowledge regarding the management of minor ailments during pregnancy. No significant association was observed between knowledge level and other selected socio-demographic variables.Therefore, strengthening health education and counseling during antenatal visits is essential to improve maternal knowledge and promote safe and effective self-management of minor ailments during pregnancy.

References

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Copyright

Copyright © 2026 Sange LHAMU, Mrs. Arline Besra, Mrs. Lalhruaimawii . This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.