<![CDATA[Background: Pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) is an important pregnancy complication associated with adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes. Appropriate self-care may support disease management and timely recognition of complications. However, limited evidence is available on self-care management among women with PIH in Bangladesh. Purpose: To assess self-care management among pregnant women with PIH attending tertiary-level hospitals in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 112 pregnant women with PIH at two tertiary-level hospitals in Dhaka from January to December 2023. Participants were selected by convenience sampling. Data were collected using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire, including a 25-item Pregnancy-Induced Hypertension-Related Self-Care Management Questionnaire. The questionnaire demonstrated acceptable internal consistency (Cronbach's α=.79). Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for analysis. Results: The mean age was 26.54 ± 6.51 years. The overall mean self-care management score was 2.79 ± 0.40. The highest-rated practice was avoiding heavy weights (4.79 ± 0.41), while the lowest-rated practices included drinking water as prescribed by a physician (1.22 ± 0.81), lifting the legs after prolonged standing (1.45 ± 0.68), and walking in fresh air (1.53 ± 0.85). Self-care management was significantly associated with educational level (p = .007), occupation (p = .017), monthly family income (p < .001), and number of antenatal visits (p < .001). Conclusion: Self-care management scores varied across individual practices, with gaps in several recommended behaviors. Individualized antenatal counseling and nursing support should emphasize blood pressure monitoring, healthy lifestyle practices, recognition of warning signs, and timely healthcare seeking.]]>
