Assessment of the Knowledge about Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) on Pregnant Women Attending Kigali Referral Hospitals

Background: VTE is among the major causes of maternal mortality worldwide. Increasing
knowledge among pregnant women as well as promoting adherence to medications for pregnant
women diagnosed with VTE can reduce risks for getting this condition. There was no data or
research on the level of knowledge about VTE among pregnant women in Rwanda.

Methods: A cross-sectional study on pregnant women who attended antenatal care services at
three referral hospitals in Kigali city using a questionnaire. Demographic data and VTE
knowledge levels were collected.

Results: The knowledge level about VTE among the pregnant women who participated in this
study is 9.33%. 76.33% have knowledge on the severity of VTE whereas 15.67% have good
knowledge of the availability of treatment of VTE. Participants at CHUK whose occupation was
in healthcare field and those who had more than 5 children had a significantly higher level of
VTE knowledge.

Conclusion: This study shows that knowledge of VTE among pregnant women attending
antenatal care in the three-referral hospitals in Kigali is low. More attention must be paid to
education and awareness to ensure safe and high-quality antenatal care and thus maternal
mortality reduction.