Birth Preparedness and Complication Readiness: Attitude and Level of Preparedness among Pregnant Women in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria
Obi Andrew Ifeanyichukwu *
Department of Community Health, University of Benin, Benin City, PMB 1154, Edo State, Nigeria and Department of Community Health, University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, PMB1111, Edo State, Nigeria
Okojie Hilda Obehi
Department of Community Health, University of Benin, Benin City, PMB 1154, Edo State, Nigeria and Department of Community Health, University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, PMB1111, Edo State, Nigeria
Keshi Richard
Department of Emergency Medicine, Homerton University Hospital, NHS Trust, London, UK
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Lack of advance planning for use of skilled attendants at birth contributes significantly to delays in receiving obstetric care. This study assessed attitude and level of birth preparedness and complication readiness (BPACR) plan among pregnant women in Benin City, with a view to improving utilization of skilled attendants at birth and health facility deliveries.
Materials and Methods: A community based analytical cross sectional study was conducted, involving interviewer administration of pretested structured questionnaires to 252 consenting pregnant women in Benin City, Edo State.
Results: The mean age of pregnant women studied was 28.9±4.9 years. Two hundred and thirty eight (94.4%) respondents had positive attitude towards BPACR. Furthermore, 197 (78.2%) and 218(94.4%) of respondents were well prepared with regard to intended and actual birth plans respectively. Awareness of BPACR (OR=0.337; 95%CI=0.128-0.891; p=0.028) and Antenatal Care (ANC) registration (OR=0.016; 95%CI=0.002-0.127; p˂0.001) were significant predictors identified that influenced BPACR plans.
Conclusion: Majority of pregnant women studied had positive attitude towards BPACR and were well prepared with regards to intended and actual birth plans respectively. There is need to strengthen Antenatal Care (ANC) registration practices to sustain the improved utilization of skilled attendants at birth and health facility deliveries identified among pregnant women in Benin City, Edo State.
Keywords: Attitude, birth preparedness and complication readiness, Edo State, Nigeria, pregnant women.