Birth preparedness and complications readiness among women in LekhnathMuniciaplity, Nepal

Abstract

Improving knowledge on obstetric danger signs and promoting birth

preparedness practices is a major strategy to increase the utilization of quality

health services during pregnancy and childbirth. The aim of this study was to

assess knowledge and practices of women on birth preparedness and

complication readiness and factors associated with it.

Methods

A community-based survey based on proportionate cluster random sampling

was conducted among 310 women who gave birth in the last 12 months

preceding the study in Lekhnath municipality, Nepal.

Results

Only 34.8%, 59.0% and 39.7% women had knowledge on at least two danger

sign during pregnancy, child birth and post-partum respectively. Only one-third

(33.2%) women had knowledge on all five components of birth preparedness and complication readiness

(BPACR). About same proportion (34.2%) women were prepared for all five components of BPACR. But very

few proportion (8.4%) women utilized all five prepaid items of BPACR. The study found significant association

of BPACR with women’s education (p<0.001, Crude OR 38.65, 95% CI 9.26-160.68), antenatal care service (p-

0.003, Crude OR 11.47, 95% CI 1.51-86.73) and awareness on obstetric danger signs during pregnancy (Crude

OR 33.25, 95% CI 17.57-68.58), delivery (Crude OR 10.34, 95% CI 5.33.-20.04), and post-partum (Crude OR

15.38, 95% CI 8.61-27.38).

Conclusion

The study concluded low level of knowledge, preparedness and utilization of all essential components of

BPACR and positive influence of women’s education, antenatal care service and awareness on obstetric

danger signs in BPACR.