Uncertainty in Knowledge and Care: Pregnant Women's Experiences With Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy in Eastern Indonesia-A Qualitative Study.

OBJECTIVE

This study explores the experiences of pregnant women with HDP in Eastern Indonesia, focusing on how they perceive the condition, access care, and manage the emotional and practical challenges during pregnancy.

METHODS

A qualitative phenomenological design was used, involving in-depth interviews with 15 pregnant women diagnosed with HDP across three primary healthcare centers in Eastern Indonesia. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews, transcribed verbatim, and analysed thematically.

RESULTS

Four themes emerged: (1) Emotional distress and psychological burden following HDP diagnosis; (2) Uncertainty in knowledge and care, exacerbated by inconsistent medical information and limited provider communication; (3) Diverse coping strategies, ranging from active information seeking to avoidance and reliance on social support; and (4) Self-management combining medical advice, lifestyle changes, and traditional practices. These findings reveal critical gaps in health education, communication, and culturally appropriate care delivery.

CONCLUSION

This study highlights the need for context-specific, culturally sensitive approaches to HDP management. Interventions should strengthen patient-provider communication, standardise care practices, and integrate health education at the primary level. Understanding women's lived experiences is essential to improving maternal outcomes in low-resource settings and reducing Indonesia's maternal mortality rate.