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

Abstract

ABSTRACT Introduction 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. Methods 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. Results 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. Conclusion 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. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01924013.