Birth preparedness among recent delivered primipara’s women at Muhimbili National Hospital, Tanzania; a crossectional study

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