Birth Preparedness And Complication Readiness Research Articles

Birth Preparedness and Complication Readiness among Women of Child Bearing Age in Peri Urban Areas of Lahore

Background: Globally, many initiatives have been taken to ensure safe motherhood. World Health Organization recommends birth preparedness and complication readiness (BPCR) as a strategy to improve maternal well-being. Objective: The study aimed to assess birth preparedness and complication readiness among women of child bearing age residing in peri-urban area. Study Design: Community based cross-sectional study. Settings: Three Peri-urban areas of Lahore Pakistan. Duration: June 2022 to October 2022. Methods: Data was collected by a validated questionnaire. Convenience sampling was used to include 391 women who delivered in last 12 months. BPCR was measured using items like identification of skilled birth attendant, decision regarding place of delivery, plan of transportation and saving money. Women who scored 3 or more were labeled “well prepared”. Participants who mentioned two or more danger signs in pregnancy, delivery and post-partum, were labelled knowledgeable for each phase. Data was analyzed in SPSS version 23. Chi square test was applied. p value ≤ 0.05 was labelled as significant. Results: Mean age of respondents was 26.8 ±5.4 years. About 307(78.5%) were well prepared. BPCR was significantly associated with education level of spouse (p=0.03), no of ante natal visits (p=0.05), being informed about BPCR (p<0.001), place of delivery (p= 0.008), knowledge about danger sign in pregnancy (p=0.02) and knowledge about the danger signs in labor (p=0.04). Conclusion: Significant proportion of participants was well prepared. BPCR was significantly associated with spouse’s education level, no of ante natal visits, information about BPCR, place of delivery and knowledge about danger sign.

Birth preparedness and complication readiness among recently delivered women in Hargeisa town, Somaliland: A community-based cross-sectional study.

About 287,000 mothers lost their lives due to pregnancy and delivery in 2020 worldwide. Birth preparedness and complication readiness (BPCR) is an approach used to utilize the timely use of skilled maternal and neonatal services. Preparing mothers for childbirth and against its dangers has great importance in reducing maternal mortality. Little is known about BPCR and influencing factors in Hargeisa town, Somaliland. To assess the level of BPCR and its associated factors among recently delivered women in Hargeisa. A community-based cross-sectional study was carried out in September 2022 among 300 women who delivered in the one-year time interval before the study period. A census was done to identify the women, and then they were selected by simple random sampling. Face-to-face interviews were conducted using a pre-structured questionnaire. A woman was considered prepared for birth if she made preparations for at least three of the BPCR components. Data were cleaned, entered, and analyzed using SPSS V.25. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed with a cut-point of 0.05 significance level. From a total of 300 women, 38.3% had good knowledge of BPCR, and only one-fourth (25%) were prepared for birth and its complications. Access and media usage (AOR = 9.64, CI 1.09-82.248), receiving health education about BPCR (AOR = 3.75, CI 1.01-13.87), giving birth at health institutions (AOR = 6.02, CI 1.39-25.95), and good knowledge of key danger signs of pregnancy (AOR = 0.017, CI 0.004-0.069) were factors significantly associated with BPCR practice. The study identified that the BPCR level was very low compared to many other studies. Such a low BPCR level may have a negative impact on maternal health and lives, hindering interventions conducted to reduce maternal mortality rates. All concerned bodies should consider the importance of awareness creation regarding BPCR in their core interventions.

Assessing the effectiveness of digital media platforms on birth preparedness and complication readiness knowledge among healthcare professionals

The integration of modern technology in healthcare education, mainly through digital media platforms, is pivotal for enhancing healthcare professionals' proficiency in birth preparedness and complication readiness (BP/CR). This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of digital media interventions on BP/CR knowledge among healthcare providers, reflecting on broader implications for global healthcare delivery and patient education. In this quasi-experimental study, 70 healthcare professionals were recruited using a nonprobability convenience sampling method. The training protocol was developed after an in-depth literature review, while the evaluation questionnaire incorporated provider-level index indicators aligned with Johns Hopkins University's BP/CR guidelines to ensure a comprehensive assessment framework. The intervention utilized widely accessible digital platforms, i.e., WhatsApp and email, aimed to deliver educational content, with its effectiveness gauged through pre- and postintervention assessments analyzed using SPSS 25.00. The study findings demonstrated significant improvements in BP/CR knowledge postintervention across various care domains. The results showed significant increases in BP/CR knowledge postintervention: focused antenatal care knowledge improved from 34.00% to 69.00% (p < 0.001), and knowledge of third-stage labor management increased from 21.00% to 56.00% (p < 0.001). Furthermore, significant improvements were also observed in neonatal care and emergency obstetric and neonatal care management knowledge (p < 0.001). These results affirm the role of digital media in improving healthcare education, suggesting its integration into healthcare policies to reduce maternal mortality and support professionals in resource-limited settings.

Spatial variation and predictors of missing birth preparedness and complication readiness (BPCR) messages in Ethiopia

Background The Birth Preparedness and Complication Readiness (BPCR) message is one of the prenatal care packages targeted at reducing maternal and neonatal mortality by avoiding unnecessary delays during labor and delivery. There is limited evidence in Ethiopia that has looked at the spatial variation of missing BPCR messages and potential predictors. Hence, this study aimed to identify spatial predictors missing BPCR messages at the national level. Methods The study was based on analysis of 2016 Ethiopia Demographic Health Survey data, using a weighted sample of 4771 women. Arc-GIS version 10.7 and SaTScan version 9.6 statistical software were used for the spatial analysis. To explore spatial variation and locate spatial clusters of missing BPCR messages, the Global Moran’s I statistic and Bernoulli-based spatial scan (SaTScan) analysis were carried out, respectively. Hotspot (Getis-OrdGi*) analysis was conducted to identify Hotspots and Cold spotsof missing BPCR messages. Finally, spatial regression were carried out via ordinary least squares and geographically weighted regression to identify predictors of hotspots for missing BPCR messages. Results The overall prevalence of missing BPCR messages in Ethiopia was found to be 44.0% (95%CI: 42.6, 45.4%), with significant spatial variation across regions (Moran’s I = 0.218, p-value<0.001) and seven most likely significant SaTScan clusters. The vast majority of Somali, central Afar, and Gambella regions were identified as statistically significant hotspots. Living in the poorest wealth quintile, having only one ANC visit, lack of access to listening to the radio, facing difficulty in accessing money, not having a mobile phone, and being not covered by health insurance were identified as significant spatial predictors of missing BPCR messages. Conclusion The level of missing BPCR messages during pregnancy was found to be high in Ethiopia, with significant local variation. As a result, policymakers at the national level and local planners should develop strategies and initiatives that enhance women’s economic capacities, health-seeking behavior, and media exposure. Furthermore, the regional authorities should focus on strategies that promote universal health coverage through enrolling citizens in health insurance schemes.

Perceptions on Birth Preparedness and Complication Readiness: Perspectives of Pregnant Women

Birth preparedness and complication readiness (BPCR) involves preparing for childbirth, bearing in mind the possible complications. The concept of BPCR has the potential to improve the awareness and utilization of suitable medical facilities to ensure safe delivery and minimize maternal and neonatal mortality. The purpose of the study was to explore pregnant women’s perspectives on the benefits and barriers of BPCR in the Northern Ghana. The study employed an exploratory descriptive design using a qualitative approach. Purposive sampling was used to recruit 13 participants. Data was collected through individual face-to-face interviews. The data was analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Out of the 13 participants, the age range for participants was 17 to 37 years; more than half were married, but less than half had no formal education. The participants indicated their understanding of BPCR by explaining the concept of BPCR, dangers signs, and prevention of danger signs. A varied source of information on BPCR was reported including the midwives or clinic, media, and family. The participants indicated that the benefits of BPCR include ensuring adequate preparation, delivery of a healthy child, and arranging for support. The barriers to BPCR were inadequate information, lack of finances, lack of transport, lack of support from the family, and lack of community support. The study findings indicate that the participants were generally informed about the concept of BPCR. However, to enable pregnant women prepare adequately for childbirth, there is a need to involve the husbands in the education on BPCR. The use of mass media to get families and communities educated on the importance of BPCR will enable them to support pregnant women.

How much do we follow birth preparedness? A community-based snapshot study from rural Delhi, India.

Maternal healthcare remains a challenging public health problem in low and middle-income countries like India. The comprehension and services regarding practices related to birth preparedness and its complications in rural areas of India remain poor and underused. In view of this, we conducted this study to explore the preparedness of the pregnant women in the community residing in rural settlements of Delhi. This cross-sectional community-based study was carried out in 165 currently pregnant women selected through proportionate sampling from rural Delhi. A semi-structured questionnaire adapted from Birth Preparedness and Complication Readiness (BPCR) tool kit was used. Binary and multivariate regression analysis was applied to identify the predictors of BPCR. In our study, BPCR index was found to be 25.78%. Only 17.6% pregnant women were well prepared. Multigravida, literacy, and higher socioeconomic status were found significant predictors for well preparedness for child birth and complication readiness in bivariate analysis. In multivariate logistic regression, multigravida and literacy were found to be predictors for well preparedness. The skill and knowledge level of the mother-in-laws and other women along with husband in the family needs to be improved in context of pregnancy and child birth. Frontline health workers can assist the to-be mothers and their family members in informed decision-making for better feto-maternal outcomes.

The practice of birth preparedness and complication readiness (BPCR) in Panti District, Jember Regency

<p><strong><em>Background: </em></strong><em>High maternal mortality rates remain challenging in developing countries such as Indonesia. These maternal deaths are preventable with appropriate management and care. Birth preparedness and complication readiness (BPCR) is a crucial strategy for making prompt decisions </em><em>to seek care resulting in reduced maternal mortality. Jember regency is one of the districts that rank first until the end of 2021 with the highest death rate in East Java and nationally. <strong> </strong></em><em></em></p><p><strong><em>Objectives: </em></strong><em>This study aims to assess the proportion of BPCR practices and the aspect of BPCR in pregnant women.</em><strong><em></em></strong></p><p><strong><em>Methods: </em></strong><em>This descriptive research was conducted among pregnant women in the working area of Panti Primary Health Service, Jember Regency as Primary Health Services with the highest maternal mortality rate in Jember regency in 2020. This study was conductedfrom August to November 2021. A total of 110 pregnant women were recruited by simple random sampling. The respondents were interviewed using the BPCR index, adapted from the John Hopkins Program for International Education in Gynecology and Obstetrics to identify nine indicators of BPCR.</em><strong><em></em></strong></p><p><strong><em>Results: </em></strong><em>The proportion of good BPCR in pregnant women was 60,00%. The most mentioned aspect of BPCR was planning transportation (89,10%) and planning to give birth with a skilled provider (82,7%). The elements that pregnant women are least prepared for are aware of the danger signs during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum.</em><strong><em></em></strong></p><p class="Body"><strong><em>Conclusions: </em></strong><em>The proportion of good BPCR among pregnant women was moderate. Community-based health education about preparation for birth and awareness of danger signs during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum is crucial to prevent maternal mortality.</em></p>

Effect of goal-oriented prenatal education on birth preparedness, complication readiness and institutional delivery among semi-urban pregnant women in Nigeria: A quasi-experimental study.

High maternal mortality has been associated with inadequate Birth preparedness and Complication Readiness (BPCR) and non-institutional delivery in developing countries. Therefore, there is a need for proven interventions that will improve BPCR and institutional delivery to reduce maternal mortality. Therefore, this study evaluated the effects of Goal-Oriented Prenatal Education (GOPE) on pregnant women's BPCR and institutional delivery. The study adopted a quasi-experimental two-group pre and post-test design. Two Local Government Areas (LGAs) were randomly selected from the six semi-urban LGAs in Ibadan. These LGAs were randomized into an intervention and control group. Two Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) were randomly selected from each LGA, and 400 pregnant women who registered for antenatal care in the selected PHCs, and met the inclusion criteria were purposively selected to participate in the study. A validated questionnaire and checklist were adapted for data collection at baseline and post-intervention. The pregnant women in the intervention group received GOPE focusing on knowledge and attitude to BPCR. Participants' place of birth was documented at delivery. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and the Mann-Whitney U test at α0.05. Good knowledge of BPCR was found in 65.5% of pregnant women at baseline and 91.8% post-intervention. Good BPCR practice was found in 95.3% and 73.1% of women in the intervention and control groups respectively. At delivery, 93.5% and 53.5% had institutional delivery in the intervention and control groups respectively. A significant difference (p<0.001) was observed in BPCR knowledge and attitude post-intervention, as well as in BPCR practice and institutional delivery between women in the intervention and control group. Goal-oriented prenatal education improved birth preparedness and complication readiness as well as institutional delivery among pregnant women. This should be integrated into routine prenatal education in Nigeria.

Birth Preparedness and Complication Readiness among Pregnant and Recently Delivered Women in Gandhinagar District, Gujarat, India: A Community-based Cross-sectional Study

Background: Birth Preparedness and Complication Readiness (BPCR) helps in improving the effective utilization of available maternal and newborn health care services through knowledge of danger sign, identifying birth place and attendant, means of transportation, managing fund for an emergency, birth companion and identification of blood donor. Aim: To find the association between socio-demographic characteristics and BPCR index indicators. Settings and Design: A cross-sectional study was conducted among the recently delivered and pregnant women in urban and rural areas of the Gandhinagar district of Gujarat. Methods and Material: Total 420 pregnant and recently delivered women from urban and rural areas were interviewed for study. A pretested semi-structured questionnaire was used to interview women at household setting. BPCR index is estimated by set of 7 quantifiable indicators and expressed in the percentage of women with specific characteristics. Results: Regarding ANC registration within 12th weeks of pregnancy and skilled birth attendant for delivery. Significant difference was observed with variable like APL/BPL status, education of women and their husband, parity and type of family. Conclusions: Hindu religion, APL economic status, higher education level, joint family, high parity and joint family were found important predictor of better BPCR practice.

Magnitude and factors associated with birth preparedness and complication readiness among pregnant women in Wolaita Zone, Ethiopia.

To assess the magnitude and factors associated with birth preparedness and complication readiness (BPCR) among pregnant women in Humbo district, Wolaita Zone, Ethiopia. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from August 1 to 30, 2020. A total of 506 pregnant women were randomly selected and interviewed using a questionnaire. Data were entered using EpiData version 4.6.0, and analysis was made using SPSS version 24. An adjusted odds ratio (aOR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated. The magnitude of BPCR in the Humbo district was 26.0%. The odds of being prepared for birth and its complications were higher among women who had a history of obstetric complications (aOR 2.77; 95% CI 1.18-6.52), participated in pregnant women's conferences (aOR 3.84; 95% CI 2.13-6.93), received advice on BPCR (aOR 2.39; 95% CI 1.36-4.22), and were knowledgeable on labor and childbirth danger signs (aOR 2.64; 95% CI 1.55-4.49). The magnitude of birth preparedness and complication readiness was low in the study area. The healthcare provider should encourage the women to participate in conferences and provide continuous counseling during their prenatal care visits.

Women’s Birth Preparedness and Complication Readiness in Nigeria: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

INTRODUCTION:Globally, efforts are being made to reduce the menace of maternal death in order to achieve the sustainable development goal. Maternal death has been associated with inadequate Birth Preparedness and Complication Readiness (BPCR), especially in low- and middle-income countries. Therefore, this review assessed birth preparedness and complication readiness in Nigeria.METHODS:A systematic review and meta-analysis of published research articles on birth preparedness and complication readiness in Nigeria were done using PubMed, EMBASE, and MEDLINE databases. All published articles from inception to November 2018 were included in the review. A total of 8,913 published articles were identified from an electronic search, and a total of 4,440 studies were included in this review, while only 12 articles met the inclusion criteria and were included in the meta-analysis.RESULTS:The pooled prevalence of “good BPCR” for all studies yielded an estimate of 58.7% (95% CI 43.9%–72.7%). TheI 2statistic was 98%, indicating statistically significant heterogeneity among the studies. The percentage of women with good birth preparedness and complication readiness increases with the year of publication, such that women have tended to be more aware of good birth preparedness and complication readiness in recent years. More than half of the women had knowledge of obstetric danger signs (52.0%, 95% CI 39.5%–64.4%, 10 studies), arranged for transportation (59.5%, 95% CI 36.2%–80.7%, 11 studies), or saved money (63.4%, 95% CI 44.7%–80.2%, 11 studies) as part of the BPCR.PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER:The study protocol was registered with PROSPERO number CRD42019123220.CONCLUSION:Women in Nigeria are better prepared for birth preparedness and complication readiness in recent years. Therefore, interventions to promote more adequate birth preparedness and complication readiness among women are recommended.

Awareness of Obstetric and Delivery Complications Among Saudi Pregnant Women in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The birth of a newborn is often celebrated with delight and excitement around the world. However, maternal mortality remains a great concern, and the majority of these deaths could have been prevented. This study aims to assess the awareness of obstetric and delivery complications among pregnant women in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 385 pregnant women attending antenatal care clinics in Riyadh. The participants were interviewed using a pre-tested questionnaire that included sociodemographic and obstetric data, as well as 16 questions to measure awareness of danger signs during pregnancy, labor, and the postpartum period, and knowledge of Birth Preparedness and Complication Readiness (BPCR). Among the 385 pregnant women, only 45.5% were aware of associated complications during pregnancy, 18.4% during labor, and 30.6% during the postpartum period. Although 82% of the women had heard about BPCRpreviously, only 53% took action toward it. Certain factors, such as age, level of education, having a medical condition, and the number of antenatal care clinic visits, were associated with an increased level of awareness. The study highlights a lack of awareness regarding obstetric and delivery complications among Saudi pregnant women. Therefore, dedicated education by a healthcare provider during prenatal visits is recommended to increase knowledge and avoid future obstetric complications.

Role of male partners in birth preparedness and complication readiness: A qualitative study.

Background In familial and societal matters, men are the decision-makers and economic resource providers in many patriarchal societies. It is important to assess the involvement of men in birth preparedness and complication readiness (BPCR), as men act as gatekeepers to women's health. We examined the role, motivators and barriers for participation of male partners of pregnant women in BPCR. Methods This qualitative study was based on the grounded theory approach. Data were collected through 29 in-depth interviews conducted among husbands (n=8), mothers (n=8), mothers-in-law (n=8), health professionals (n=5) and focus group discussions (FGDs) with pregnant women (FGD, n=3). Interviews and FGDs were transcribed; themes and sub-themes were generated and conclusions were drawn by triangulation of the data. Results Men were found to have a major role in BPCR. They supported their pregnant wives by maintaining their health, providing financial support and helping them in the decision-making process regarding treatment. They also provided complication readiness support by arranging transportation and facilitating the process of hospital admission. Conclusions Our study emphasizes how changes have occurred in the attitudes and practices over generations regarding men's role in BPCR and their participation during delivery. However, there is a long way to go for which transference of knowledge and cultural transformation have become necessities.

Barriers to birth preparedness and complication readiness among pregnant women in rural Ethiopia: using a mixed study design, 2020

ObjectiveTo assess birth preparedness and complication readiness (BPCR) and associated factors among pregnant women in Bachoo District, Oromia, Ethiopia.DesignA mixed cross-sectional study design was employed to conduct this study.SettingA community-based...

Birth Preparedness and Complication Readiness among Pregnant Women in Rural Area of District Sonipat, Haryana, India: A Cross Sectional Community Based Study

Introduction: Birth Preparedness and Complication Readiness (BPCR) is an important intervention included by WHO as essential elements of antenatal care package. It is often delivered to pregnant women through their active participation by health care provider during antenatal care or initiated/followed up through visits to the homes of pregnant women by community health workers. Objectives: To determine the knowledge and practice regarding BPCR and to identify factors associated with it among rural pregnant women. Method: Cross-sectional study was conducted in rural field practice area of Community Medicine Department of a medical teaching institutes. A total of 210 pregnant women who were in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy were selected by simple random sampling and interviewed for data collection. Results: Mean age of study subjects was 24.14 + 3.88 years.The highest number of women was in the age group of 20-29 years (84.8%). More than half (57.6%) mothers had observed at least two or more components of BPCR. Maximum number of females had identified facility for delivery (63.8%) followed by transportation (60.9%). Identification of potential blood donor by mothers was low (14.3%). Bleeding was most commonly identified danger symptom in all three phases of child bearing. Knowledge regarding danger signs was significantly associated with birth preparedness. Conclusion: In the present study, practice of all components of BPCR by mothers was very low. Bleeding was the most commonly identified danger symptom during all three phases i.e., pregnancy, child birth and after birth.Knowledge regarding other danger signs was highly inadequate.

Birth Preparedness and Complication Readiness Among Pregnant Women Attending Primary Health Care Centers in Erbil City

Background and Objectives: Birth preparedness and complication readiness (BP/CR) is a plan that helps women to consider all obtainable maternal health care services. The aim of this study was to assess the level of knowledge on key danger signs and components of BP/CR among pregnant women within 3rd trimester who attending primary health care centers in Erbil city.Methods: A descriptive study was conducted on 300 pregnant women, during the period mid-March 2019 to the end of July 2019 in five primary health care centers in Erbil city. Data gathered through interview with study sample and using structured questionnaires and purposive sampling technique used to selected samples. Data were analyzed by using the social package of statistical science (SPSS version 23).Results: Pregnant women were between the ages of 15 and 46 years, about 8% of the women aged less than 20 years, and 12.3% aged ≥ 35 years. About (93.7%)of the women thinks that planning for the place of delivery is important while only 1.3% thinks that it is important to identify skilled attendant. Also high knowledge about birth preparedness was associated significantly (p = 0.041) with age and the distance to the health care facility (p = 0.003) but there are not significant association with other socio-demographic factors.Conclusion: Large proportion of pregnant women had good knowledge about some of key danger signs. Generally, majority of the respondents had increased awareness on most of components of BP/CR.

Birth preparedness and complication readiness: Evaluating the "know-do" gap among women receiving antenatal care in Benin City, Nigeria.

Across several African countries, birth preparedness and complication readiness (BPACR) among pregnant women is poor. The practice of BPACR, though improving in recent years, is not commensurate with the knowledge available to pregnant women. Maternal health indices remain sub-optimal. This study evaluates the determinants of this "know-do' gap among women receiving antenatal care at a secondary health facility in Benin City, Nigeria. A cross-sectional study involving 427 pregnant women was conducted between October and December 2020 using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. The prevalence of knowledge and practice were described, and the determinants of BPACR practice evaluated using bivariable (chi-square) analysis and multivariable ordinal logistic regression with post-estimation predictive margins analysis. About 77% of respondents had good birth preparedness practice. Multivariable regression revealed that respondents with poor knowledge and moderate knowledge of components of BPACR had statistically significant lower odds (OR:0.05 (95% CI: 0.02-0.13) and 0.10 (95% CI: 0.03-0.30) times, respectively) for greater practice of BPACR when compared to those with good knowledge. Respondents with poor knowledge of danger signs had statistically significant lower odds (OR: 0.08 (95% CI: 0.03-0.26) for greater practice of BPACR when compared to those with good knowledge. But predictive margins analyses demonstrates that knowledge, though critical to practice, is insufficient to optimize practice. The optimum number of danger signs women need to know to improve practice may be between eight to ten. Beyond this number, practice may not change significantly. Other predictors of BPACR practice include income level, parity, gravidity, and residential settings. The number of antenatal clinic visits had no statistically significant correlation with BPACR practice. Interventions to facilitate practice at the community level may be helpful to improve outcomes and bridge the know-do gap with respect to BPACR within the study context.

A Study on Birth Preparedness and Complication Readiness among Women Attending Antenatal Clinics in a Rural Area of Hooghly District, West Bengal

ABSTRACT Background: Globally, more than 40% of pregnant women experience acute obstetric problems and a large burden of it is shared by India. Birth Preparedness and Complication Readiness (BPCR) strategy is used to addresses these problems by encouraging women and communities to effectively plan for births, deal with birth emergencies. Objective: This study was conducted to assess the status of birth preparedness and complication readiness and to find out the factors associated with inadequate BPCR among pregnant woman in a rural area of West Bengal. Methodology: Institution based, observational study with cross-sectional design was conducted from January 2019 to September 2020 among pregnant women, attending antenatal care clinics in Singur block, Hooghly district West Bengal. Sample size was 272. Participants were chosen by systematic random sampling. Response rate was 94.5% (257). Data were collected using a predesigned pretested schedule and analyzed using Microsoft Excel version 2016 and SPSS version 16.0. Results: Overall, 60.3% mothers had inadequate BPCR. 66.1% mothers had poor BPCR knowledge and 72.8% mothers had poor BPCR practice. In multivariable logistic regression model, the odds of maternal morbidity [AOR = 2.03 (1.14 –3.62), P value = 0.16], ≤4 No. of ANC visits [AOR = 10.96 (4.82–22.9), P value = 0.001], first trimester USG [OR = 12.53 (5.8–24.5), P value = 0.001] showed significance with inadequate BPCR. Conclusion: Glimpse of BPCR is seen in government programmes like Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) and Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakaram (JSSK). Yet a big void exists among Indian pregnant women’s knowledge and practice of BPCR. Thus, there is a need to include BPCR in health care system to improve outcomes for pregnant women.

Do pregnant women prepare and be ready for birth and its complications?

&lt;b&gt;Background:&lt;/b&gt; Every pregnancy faces unpredictable complications and risks associated with the risk of maternal morbidity, mortality, and neonatal complications. The aim of the study is to determine birth preparedness and complication readiness (BPCR) among antenatal women and their determinants.&lt;br /&gt; &lt;b&gt;Methods:&lt;/b&gt; The involved a total of 100 pregnant women at a public university hospital in Kelantan state, Malaysia. A self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection.&lt;br /&gt; &lt;b&gt;Results:&lt;/b&gt; A total of 47.0% of participants were well prepared for their birth and its complications. There were no associations between being well prepared for birth and its complications with parity, gestational age, the total number of antenatal visits, or other sociodemographic data.&lt;br /&gt; &lt;b&gt;Conclusion:&lt;/b&gt; BPCR among women were still low among women in Kelantan. Knowledge of the danger signs during pregnancy, labor, and the postnatal period among pregnant women is important to reduce maternal mortality.

Factors influencing birth preparedness and complication readiness among childbearing age women in Thatta district, Sindh.

Birth preparedness and complication readiness (BPCR) is a broad system to increase the practice of trained health provision at the time of childbirth and the key interventions to decrease mothers' and newborns' death. However, its status and influencing factors have not been well studied at different levels in the study area. The current study aimed to assess the BPCR status and explore its associated factors influencing BPCR among childbearing age women in Thatta, District of Sindh. This community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 770 recently delivered mothers from October 2016 -September 2017, recruited using a multistage cluster sampling technique. A structured validated close-ended questionnaire measuring BPCR knowledge and practices was used for the interviews. The results were analyzed by means of the Chi-square test, and a binary logistic regression model was used to determine the factors influencing BPCR. The overall response rate was 94.6%, with a low BPCR status. Out of 770 participants, only 163 (21.2%) were well prepared, while 607 (78.8%) were not prepared for safe childbirth and its complications. A small proportion of women knew about the serious warning signs of pregnancy, labour, childbirth and the postpartum period (16.2%), (15.3%) and (22.7%) respectively. Antenatal care (ANC) checkup (P < 0.001), cost of ANC checkup (p = 0.016), place of birth (p = 0.014), awareness of serious warning signs during pregnancy (p = 0.001) and awareness of serious warning signs during the postpartum period (p < 0.001) were found to be significant predictors of BPCR. The proportion of women who were well prepared for birth and its complications was low. It is recommended to organize community-based education campaigns and improve the quality of MNCH services at every level to increase BPCR among women in Sindh.