Knowledge of Birth Preparedness and Complication Readiness and Associated Factors among Pregnant Women in Ibadan, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Globally, maternal mortality is a public health challenge, especially in developing countries such as Nigeria. Birth preparedness and complication readiness (BPCR) has been identified as a key strategy in reducing maternal death. Hence, the importance of identifying factors promoting BPCR to achieve the third Sustainable Development Goal. Therefore, this study assessed knowledge of BPCR among pregnant women, and identified associated factors. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional research design was adopted for this study. A validated questionnaire was utilized for data collection from randomly selected 400 pregnant women receiving skilled antenatal care in semi-urban areas of Ibadan, Nigeria. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22. Findings were presented using descriptive and regression analysis. Results: The mean age of the participants was 27.2±5.0 Only 60.5% of the pregnant women have good knowledge of obstetric danger signs, 50% have good knowledge of elements of BPCR, and 61.5% have good recognition of skilled birth attendants. Occupation (P = 0.005), income (P = 0.001), and educational level (P = 0.001) were found to be associated with BPCR. Conclusion and Recommendation: An average number of pregnant women have good knowledge of the three components of BPCR. Effective intervention to improve pregnant women’s knowledge of BPCR is therefore recommended especially in Nigeria.