Knowledge and practices of birth preparedness and complication readiness among pregnant head porters in a hospital in Ghana

Abstract

Background: The death of a mother, foetus, or neonate is a tragic loss whenever it occurs. Birth preparedness and complication readiness (BPCR) is a strategy that helps women to consider all available maternal health care services during pregnancy and prepare for potential complications. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and practices of BPCR among pregnant head porters. Methods: A Health facility-based cross-sectional survey targeting pregnant head porters was carried out from March to June 2019 at the Manhyia district hospital of the Kumasi metropolis of Ghana. Registry of the obstetrics and gynaecology department of the hospital aided in selecting the sixty-five pregnant head porters. A validated structured questionnaire was adapted for the study. Descriptive analysis, Kendall coefficient of concordance, one sample t test and multiple regression analysis were used for the data analysis. Results: The demographics revealed 40% of the head porters had no formal education, 60% were married, 39% were between 23-35years, and 74% were from the Northern part of Ghana. Knowledge and practices of BPCR among the head porters were found to be moderate. Conclusions: The study suggests increased outreach programmes in the communities on the need to consider each component of the BPCR as essential through public health education and the promotion of regular antenatal attendance. Moreover, there is the need for every delivery to be carried out by a skilled birth attendant.