Effect of Community Engagement Using M-Mama Champions

This study aims to determine the effectiveness of community engagement using M-MAMA Champions on awareness of Obstetric Danger Signs, Birth Preparedness, and Complication Readiness among Pregnant Women in Bahi, Dodoma. This is a community-based, cluster randomized controlled trial (cRCT) study, whereby 120 first and second-trimester pregnant women will be randomized at a ratio of 1:1 to the intervention and control groups. The intervention of sensitizing pregnant women on Obstetric danger signs, birth preparedness, and complication readiness by the empowered M-MAMA Champions to the intervention arm clusters will be done for one month, a two-hour session will be delivered every two weeks, using participatory learning and action model for women groups to test the effectiveness of M-MAMA Champions in improving literacy level of obstetric danger signs, birth preparedness and complication readiness and its practice among pregnant women.

The following is the hypothesis being tested

Null Hypothesis; There is no difference in improvement of awareness of Obstetric Danger Signs, Birth Preparedness, and Complication Readiness among Pregnant Women when community engagement is done using M-MAMA Champions compared to routine approaches.

Alternative hypothesis; Community engagement using M-MAMA Champions to improve awareness of Obstetric Danger Signs, Birth Preparedness, and Complication Readiness among Pregnant Women is more effective than routine approaches.

During each 2-hour session, five (5) women will gather up and discuss the obstetric danger signs, birth preparedness, and complication readiness with the assistance of the M-MAMA Champion as a facilitator. An approved brochure on the concerned subject will be used for sensitization. Baseline data will be collected before and after the intervention.

The control arm won't receive any intervention.

Introduction:

Maternal mortality remains a global public health issue, Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3 targets to reduce it to less than 70 for every 100,000 live births by 2030 globally. Maternal mortality whose peak is during intrapartum and the first day post-partum, 75% of it is accounted for by obstetric danger signs complications. Tanzania's maternal mortality ratio stands at 104 for every 100,000 live births, higher than the SDG target. Innovations that include women groups like M-MAMA Champions are necessary to improve the literacy level of obstetric danger signs, birth preparedness, and complication readiness among pregnant women and enhance obstetric emergency response and service utilization, for essential interventions in healthcare facilities alone haven't been able to reduce maternal mortality due to poor services utilization.

Methods and analysis:

A community-based, cluster randomized controlled trial (cRCT) design, will be utilized in undertaking the study of 120 first and second-trimester pregnant women randomized at a ratio of 1:1 to the intervention and control groups. The intervention of sensitizing pregnant women on Obstetric danger signs, birth preparedness, and complication readiness by the empowered M-MAMA Champions to the intervention arm clusters will be done for one month, each two-hour session delivered in two weeks, using participatory learning and action model for women groups. The effect of the intervention will be determined using repeated ANOVA analysis.

Ethics and dissemination. The University of Dodoma Research Ethics Committee approved this study (Ref. No. MA.84/261/02/1/115). The study will ensure the protection of the participants' values, dignity, and integrity by the Helsinki Declaration by the World Medical Association. The study results will be published in peer-reviewed journals and disseminated at various conferences, and the government through the Ministry of Health.

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

* Pregnant women in the first and second trimester (up to 28 weeks of GA).

Exclusion Criteria:

* Pregnant women who will be sick and admitted,
* Mentally incompetent, and
* Those who won't consent to participate in the study.