The Perception, Practice, and Awareness of Potential Harm in the Use of Safety Pins on Clothing Among Pregnant Women in North-Central Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Some cultural practices are helpful to pregnant women; however, many are baseless and could even be harmful. The use of safety pins on clothing is gaining popularity among pregnant women throughout sociodemographic regions. Pregnant women attending Federal Medical Centre Keffi's prenatal clinic were assessed for perception, practice and awareness of potential harm associated with safety pins use on clothing.

Materials and Methods: The study was cross-sectional descriptive study, involving 420 consented women selected through simple random sampling. The data was analysed using SPSS IBM 25.

Results: Three hundred and ninety-three completed questionnaires were analysed. Majority of respondents (85.2%) were aware of safety pins use clothing, 42% perceived the practice to be beneficial, and 25% reported the practice could be dangerous. Over a third of respondents have attached it to their clothes. Needle pricks were the most common injury among respondents who perceived the practice to be harmful.

Conclusion/Recommendations: The level of awareness and practice of use of safety pins on clothing among pregnant women is rapidly increasing. There is a great concern for safety and thus should not be encouraged.