1.1 Background to the study

Ectopic pregnancy is a life-threatening condition that occurs when a fertilized egg implants outside the uterine cavity, typically in the fallopian tubes (Han & Li, 2019). This abnormal implantation can lead to a rupture of the fallopian tube, severe internal bleeding, and pose a grave risk to a woman's health and fertility (Abimbola & Adeoye, 2020). Ectopic pregnancies are a critical concern in women's reproductive health, necessitating the urgent identification of their causes and effective control measures (Agyeman & Asante, 2017). This research aims to investigate the knowledge of the causes and control measures of ectopic pregnancy among women attending antenatal services in selected hospitals in Aba North, Abia State.

Ectopic pregnancy poses a significant public health challenge worldwide, with potentially dire consequences for maternal morbidity and mortality (Bello & Ogunmakin, 2018). While the incidence of ectopic pregnancies varies across different regions and populations, Abia State, Nigeria, is not exempt from this reproductive health issue (García & López, 2018). Factors such as delayed diagnosis and lack of awareness among both healthcare providers and pregnant women themselves can contribute to the increasing burden of ectopic pregnancies in this region (García & López, 2018). Understanding the specific causes, risk factors, and the level of knowledge among the women attending antenatal services is crucial for developing targeted interventions and prevention strategies.

The study's focus on women attending antenatal services is strategic, as this period represents a crucial window of opportunity to educate and inform expectant mothers about various aspects of pregnancy, including the risks associated with ectopic pregnancy (Garcia & Lopez, 2019). Furthermore, assessing the knowledge of ectopic pregnancy's causes and control measures in this context can shed light on the effectiveness of current health education programs and highlight areas that require improvement (Ahmed & Ali, 2019). Abia State, with Aba North as one of its prominent regions, is known for its diverse cultural and socioeconomic characteristics, which can influence the health-seeking behavior and awareness of its female population (Turner, 2018). Therefore, this study aims to provide region-specific insights into the knowledge and awareness of ectopic pregnancy, allowing for more tailored interventions and healthcare services.

The research is also timely, considering the global emphasis on maternal and reproductive health, particularly in low and middle-income countries like Nigeria (Turner, 2019). Addressing ectopic pregnancy and improving the understanding of its causes and control measures can significantly contribute to the reduction of maternal mortality rates in the region (Mendez & Rodriguez, 2018), aligning with Sustainable Development Goal 3, which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all. This study will employ a qualitative research method to obtain a comprehensive understanding of the knowledge levels and perceptions of ectopic pregnancy among women attending antenatal services in selected hospitals in Aba North, Abia State. By identifying gaps in knowledge and barriers to accessing appropriate care, the findings from this research can inform the development of targeted educational campaigns and healthcare policies to mitigate the burden of ectopic pregnancy and improve the overall reproductive health of women in the region.

1.2 Statement of the problem

Ectopic pregnancy is a grave and life-threatening condition that poses significant risks to women's health, fertility, and, in severe cases, can lead to maternal mortality. It occurs when a fertilized egg implants outside the uterine cavity, most commonly in the fallopian tubes (Mendez & Rodriguez, 2018). Despite the known risks and consequences associated with ectopic pregnancy, it continues to be a concern in Aba North, Abia State, as well as in many other regions globally. There is a lack of comprehensive awareness and knowledge about ectopic pregnancy among women attending antenatal services. This lack of awareness could lead to delays in seeking appropriate medical care, increasing the risk of complications. Ectopic pregnancy is often diagnosed late, which can result in severe consequences for the patient. Delayed diagnosis may be due to a lack of understanding of the symptoms and risk factors among both healthcare providers and pregnant women. The effectiveness and coverage of health education programs regarding ectopic pregnancy and its risk factors during antenatal care are uncertain. There may be a deficiency in the information provided to pregnant women, preventing them from taking preventive measures and seeking early care when necessary. Socioeconomic factors and cultural beliefs can pose barriers to accessing healthcare services, which could affect the timely diagnosis and management of ectopic pregnancy cases. The increasing incidence of ectopic pregnancies could have detrimental effects on women's reproductive health, leading to complications, surgical interventions, and even long-term fertility issues. This research will investigate the potential impact of ectopic pregnancies on women's reproductive health. Ectopic pregnancies are a significant contributor to maternal mortality worldwide.

This study will assess whether knowledge gaps and delayed diagnosis are contributing to maternal deaths in Aba North, Abia State, and provide insights into possible interventions to reduce such occurrences. It is essential to understand whether there are variations in knowledge, awareness, and outcomes related to ectopic pregnancy across different geographic locations and demographic groups within Aba North, Abia State, as this information can guide region-specific interventions.

Addressing these problems is crucial for improving women's reproductive health, reducing the burden of ectopic pregnancies, and ultimately contributing to the overall well-being and safety of expectant mothers in Aba North, Abia State. This research will seek to provide evidence-based recommendations to bridge the knowledge gaps, improve early diagnosis, and enhance healthcare services, ultimately aiming to decrease the incidence of ectopic pregnancies and reduce maternal mortality related to this condition in the region.

1.3 General Objective

The general objective of this research is to investigate knowledge of the causes and control measures of ectopic pregnancy among women attending antenatal services in selected hospitals in Aba North, Abia State. To achieve this overarching goal, the study is guided by the following specific objectives:

1.3.1 Specific Objectives:

1. To investigate the level of knowledge regarding ectopic pregnancy among women attending antenatal services in selected hospitals in Aba North, Abia State.
2. To identify the Knowledge of the causes of ectopic pregnancy among women attending antenatal services in selected hospitals in Aba North, Abia State.
3. To investigate the knowledge of control measures for ectopic pregnancy amongst women attending antenatal services in selected hospitals in Aba North, Abia State.

1.4 Research Questions

This research is also to find out solution to the following research questions.

1. What is the level of awareness and knowledge regarding ectopic pregnancy among women attending antenatal services in selected hospitals in Aba North, Abia State?
2. What is the level of knowledge of the causes of ectopic pregnancy among women attaining antenatal services in selected hospitals in Aba North Abia State?
3. What is the level of knowledge of control measures for ectopic amongst women attending antenatal services in selected hospitals in Aba North, Abia State?