Factors affecting level of awareness of birth preparedness and complication readiness among women attending reproductive and child health clinics in Nyamagana District

Abstract

Background: Birth Preparedness and Complication Readiness (BP/CR) encourages women, households and communities to make arrangements for childbirth by skilled birth attendants and reduce delays in reaching care. The practice of BP/CR in the Third World settings has the potential of reducing the high maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality rates. The study aimed to assess the level and associated factors of awareness and uptake of BP/CR among women attending Reproductive and Child Health clinics (RCH) in Nyamangana District. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study involving 737 randomly selected, both postnatal and pregnant women, was conducted at Nyamagana district hospital and Makongoro health centre. Data was collected by using a structured questionnaire adapted from the JHPIEGO questionnaire. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.0 software and summarized using frequency distributions and charts. Associations between variables were tested using the Chi-square test at 5% level of significance and 95% confidence level. Multivariate logistic regression identified predictors of BP/CR awareness and uptake. Ethical clearance was sought and obtained from the MUHAS Directorate of Research and Publications (Ref.No.MU/PGS/SAEC/Vol.IX). Results: A total of 737 women with mean age of 26.2±5.9 years participated in the study. Majority were married (85%), educated up to primary education (63%), multigravida (70%), having up to three living children (80%), and attended Antenatal Care (ANC) clinic for at least 4 times (65%). Level of awareness on danger signs and BP/CR was low (40% and 35% respectively). Predictors of level of awareness of BP/CR were multigravidity, awareness of danger signs and using public means of transport. Conclusion: Low awareness of BP/CR was exhibited by the majority of women calling for strengthened efforts from health policy-makers and healthcare providers to design strategies for effective mass education to the women and the community at large on the importance of BP/CR in the efforts for reduction of maternal and neonatal mortality rates to meet the Sustainable Development Goals.