Pregnancy experience, knowledge of pregnancy, childbirth and infant care and sources of information among obstetric patients at King Khalid Hospital, Riyadh.

One hundred obstetrics patients were interviewed at King Khalid Hospital (Saudi Arabia) concerning their current pregnancy experience, knowledge of pregnancy and child care and sources of information on these topics. Interviews were conducted and a short knowledge test given to nulliparous, primaparous and multiparous patients. The overall mean score of respondents was 50.4%. Significant information deficits existed in: the implications of prescription drugs and dental care during pregnancy; time of conception; when to contact a physician for personal care. Nulliparous patients scored lower, and information deficits appeared in: when to call a physician for infant care, immunization for newborns and events during pregnancy. Respondents did not perceive physicians and nurses as significant sources of information when compared with alternative sources.