Factors Associated with Birth Preparedness and Complication Readiness among Pregnant Women in Nepal

Abstract

Background: Maternal and neonatal mortality is major problem especially affecting newly industrialized and developing countries. Birth preparedness and complication readiness is a strategy used in maternal and new-born health to promote safe and healthy pregnancy and delivery by preparing women and families to avoid complications. This includes utilization of prenatal care, identifying health worker and health facilities, managing budget and transportation, identifying potential complications, and receiving health services. Objective: The study aimed assess factors associated with birth preparedness and complication readiness among pregnant women. Methodology: A quantitative, community based cross sectional analytical study was conducted between January and July 2023 among 221 pregnant women complete 14 weeks of gestational age. Birth preparedness and complication readiness was measured using standard tool of JIPIEGO. Epi-data version 3.1 for data entry and SPSS version 20 was used for further analysis. Chi-square test was used to observe the statistical association and predictors of birth preparation and readiness were assessed using binary logistic regression analysis. Results: The study showed only one quarter (26.6%) of pregnant women were prepared, among the participants, 50.7% had selected health facilities, 40% had arranged transportation, 38% save money, 12.2% identified health works and 10% identified possible blood donor. Education status, occupation, income, husbands’ occupation, gestational age, counselling time, knowledge about incentive, was found statistically significant. Education of mother (AOR=15.275, 95% CI: 1.775-131.421), family income (AOR=4.977, 95% CI: 1.263-19.608) and gestational age (AOR=3.716, 95% CI: 1.200-11.504) were found to be predictors of birth preparedness and complication readiness. Conclusions: The study showed only about one fourth of the pregnant women had well prepared for birth complication and readiness. Birth preparedness and complication readiness play a vital role in the prevention of maternal and neonatal mortality. Health workers should emphasize to increase awareness and provide counselling during antenatal visit.