ABSTRACT
Background: Birth preparedness is an important strategy to reduce MMR. It includes knowledge of key danger signs; identification of: birth place; birth attendant, fund, transport and compatible blood donor for emergency use beforehand. Objective: This study aims to explore birth preparedness in Surat and determine factors associated with it. Methods: Study conducted facility based cross-sectional study among 310 antenatal women at Urban Health Training Centre attached to Government Medical College, Surat, Gujarat. Predesigned, semi- structured, pretested questionnaire was used for data collection after acquiring informed written con-sent. Result: A total of 310 women participated in the study. Mean age of participants was 22.9 + 3.6 years. Almost one-third (30.3%) of participants were illiterate. Almost six-tenth (61.9%) of participants were involved in unskilled or semi-skilled work and two-fifth (38.1%) of participants were homemakers. Ma-jority of participants (96.7%) were registered in first trimester. Most known factor during pregnancy as danger sign was bleeding (81.9%). BPACR index was calculated as ∑Indicator/7 which was observed to be 62.3%. There was statistically significant association between awareness about health problems dur-ing pregnancy and type of family. Conclusion: Raising awareness regarding components of BPACR among antenatal women will help to reduce morbidity and mortality in antenatal women and achieve sustainable development goal
ABSTRACT
Lack of advance planning for use of skilled attendants at birth contributes significantly to delays in receiving obstetric care. This study assessed attitude and level of birth preparedness and complication readiness (BPACR) plan among pregnant women in Benin City, with a view to improving utilization of skilled attendants at birth and health facility deliveries. Materials and Methods: A community based analytical cross sectional study was conducted, involving interviewer administration of pretested structured questionnaires to 252 consenting pregnant women in Benin City, Edo State. Results: The mean age of pregnant women studied was 28.9±4.9 years. Two hundred and thirty eight (94.4%) respondents had positive attitude towards BPACR. Furthermore, 197 (78.2%) and 218(94.4%) of respondents were well prepared with regard to intended and actual birth plans respectively. Awareness of BPACR (OR=0.337; 95%CI=0.128-0.891; p=0.028) and Antenatal Care (ANC) registration (OR=0.016; 95%CI=0.002-0.127; p˂0.001) were significant predictors identified that influenced BPACR plans. Conclusion: Majority of pregnant women studied had positive attitude towards BPACR and were well prepared with regards to intended and actual birth plans respectively. There is need to strengthen Antenatal Care (ANC) registration practices to sustain the improved utilization of skilled attendants at birth and health facility deliveries identified among pregnant women in Benin City, Edo State.