Abstract:
Background: While the adverse impact of maternal and neonatal mortality and morbidity
have remained significantly higher over the years, there has been inadequate information
regarding the practice of birth preparedness and complication readiness (BPCR) and
associated determinants especially among women delivering for the first time. The aim of
this study was to assess and establish the level of BPCR practice and associated factors
among first time parturient at Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH) in Tanzania.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Muhimbili national hospital in Dar es
Salam, Tanzania. A total of 375 primiparas were interviewed from October to December
2018.Information on the level of BPCR practice and its associated determinants was
obtained using a validated and pretested questionnaires. The final data was analyzed using
SPSS and multivariate analysis performed to determine the factors associated with the
BPCR practice. The measure of association was the Odds ratio at P < 0.05.
Findings: About 73.6% were practicing birth preparedness, hence demonstrated the
readiness for obstetric complications. The most common practiced elements include
transport services (87.5%) and identify place of birth (84.0%). The less common practice
was identification of blood donor (22.7%). The significant determinants of good BPCR
practice include age > 35years AOR=5.5 95%CI(1.7–11),having a partner AOR=2.1
95%CI(1.2–4.6), having means of transport AOR=1.5 95%CI(1.2–6.1), having
employment AOR= 3.3 95%CI(1.5–10.1), attending ANC in regional and referral hospital
AOR=1.5 95%CI(1.2–6.6), registered ANC early (≤12weeks) AOR=1.695%CI(1.1–7.4)
and having four and above ANC visits AOR=2.1 95%CI(1.7–7.5).
Conclusion: The level of BPCR in this study was high. The most practiced element was
transport services. It was also observed that preparation of blood donors in this setting was
low and therefore much effort has to be done to sensitize health providers to deliver
enough information on the importance of having a blood donor.vi
