Assessment of Knowledge and Practice on Birth Preparedness and Complication Readiness Among Antenatal Clients in Selected Health Centers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Creators: name: Araya, Luchia
Publisher: name: National Academic Digital Repository of Ethiopia
Year: 2011

description: Background- Birth preparedness and complication readiness is a strategy to promote the timely use of skilled maternal and neonatal care, especially during childbirth. Based on the theory that preparing for childbirth, and being ready for complications reduces delays in obtaining this care. Lack of advance planning for use of a skilled birth attendant for normal births, and particularly inadequate preparation for rapid action in the event of obstetric complications, are well documented factors contributing to delay in receiving skilled obstetric care. Birth preparedness has been globally endorsed as an essential component of safe motherhood programs to reduce delays for care, so reduced maternal mortality rate and neonatal mortality rate. Objective: To assess knowledge and practices with respect to birth preparedness and complication readiness among antenatal clients in selected Addis Ababa Health Centers. Methods: A cross-sectional institution based study was conducted to examine knowledge and practice of birth preparedness and complication readiness among clients at five selected health centers by using pretested standard questioner in Addis Ababa. The sampling technique was systematic sampling and the sample size was 290. Results: Data were obtained from 290 mothers, yielding a response rate 100%.Taking into account identifying danger sign during pregnancy, labor and during postnatal, and place of delivery identification, means of transportation and saving money. About 42%, 17.2%, 27.7% of the respondents were knowledgeable about danger sign during pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum period respectively. Regarding to knowledge to birth preparedness 46% of the respondents were knowledgeable and 68.0% stated that they were prepared for birth and its complication. In this study educational status of mothers and their knowledge about danger sign during pregnancy was associated. Illiterate mothers were 0.48 times less knowledgeable about danger sign during pregnancy as compared to those who were secondary and above (OR=0.42(95%CI=0.21, 0.82). Mothers with the income of 500-1000 Birr per month were 2.86 times more likely to have knowledge about danger sign during pregnancy as compared to those who were with no income(COR=2.86 (95% CI=1.41,5.78)) but the significant association between educational status, income and danger sign during pregnancy was not retained in the multivariate analysis. Conclusion and recommendation-The study identified poor comprehensive knowledge and practices on preparation for birth and its complication in the study area. Community education about preparation for birth and its complication and empowerment of women through expansion of educational opportunities are recommended for improving birth preparedness and consequently the effects of pregnancy related complications. The individual woman, her family and the community as a whole should have to be well informed on birth preparedness and complication readiness.