Birth preparedness, complication readiness, and associated factors among pregnant women in South Wollo Zone, Northeast Ethiopia

Abstract

Birth preparedness and complication readiness is a preparation strategy for normal birth and potential emergency situations, and is important for the safety and health of mothers and newborns during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of birth preparedness and complication readiness and the associated factors among pregnant women. This was a community-based, cross-sectional study conducted among randomly selected 480 pregnant women from February to April of 2020. Bivariable logistic regression was performed to assess the association of each independent variable with the dependent variable. All variables with a P value of <.2 were entered into a multivariable logistic regression model to identify associated factors. Adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were estimated to measure the strength of the association. Out of the 498 sampled pregnant women, 480 (96.4%) agreed to participate in the study; 104 were found to have satisfactory birth preparedness and complication readiness (21.7%; 95% confidence interval, 18.3-25.7). Having had an experience of obstetrical complications (adjusted odds ratio, 1.83; 95% confidence interval, 1.07-3.14), early starting time for antenatal care visits (adjusted odds ratio, 5.22; 95% confidence interval, 2.26-12.06), advice about birth preparedness (adjusted odds ratio, 2.99; 95% confidence interval, 1.21-7.39), and awareness about obstetrical danger signs during childbirth and the postpartum period (adjusted odds ratio, 2.23; 95% confidence interval, 1.33-3.74) were found to be significantly associated with birth preparedness and complication readiness. The prevalence of birth preparedness and complication readiness was low. Experience of obstetrical complications, starting time for antenatal care visits, advice about birth preparedness and complication readiness, and awareness of key danger signs during childbirth and the postpartum period were significantly associated with birth preparedness and complication readiness.