Determinants of Pregnancy-Related Misconceptions Among Pregnant Women in Urban Bangladesh: A Cross-Sectional Study

Pregnancy-related misconceptions are common in low- and middle-income countries and may adversely influence maternal behaviours. Evidence from urban populations is limited. This study assessed the prevalence and determinants of pregnancy-related misconceptions among pregnant women in urban Bangladesh.

A cross-sectional baseline analysis was conducted among 861 first-trimester pregnant women (6-14 weeks) from urban and semi-urban Dhaka, Bangladesh (2014-2015). Only pre-intervention data from a registered trial were used. A pre-tested, interviewer-administered questionnaire assessed nine misconceptions. Correct responses were scored 1 (0-9); 'do not know' was scored incorrect. Scores were categorised as poor (0-3), average (4-6) or good (7-9). Multivariable logistic regression identified determinants of good knowledge.

The mean knowledge score was 4.9 ± 2.1. Only 13.8% of participants had good knowledge, whereas 73.3% and 12.9% had average and poor knowledge, respectively. Misconceptions were most common regarding diabetes (65.2%), consumption of oily foods during pregnancy (61.4%) and physical activity (30.5%). Women with more than 10 years of education were significantly more likely to have good knowledge than those with lower educational attainment (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 2.26; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.41-3.63; p = 0.001). No significant associations were observed for age, household income, occupation, religion or area of residence. Sensitivity analyses using continuous knowledge scores produced similar findings.

Pregnancy-related misconceptions remain widespread among pregnant women in urban Bangladesh. Maternal education is the key determinant of accurate knowledge, underscoring the need for culturally appropriate antenatal education and community-based interventions.

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01924013.