Birth Preparedness and Complication Readiness: Pregnant Women Perspective in Ondo State, Nigeria (Published)
Globally, maternal mortality and morbidity continue to be major public health issues, particularly in low and middle-income countries including Nigeria where access to skilled birth attendants (SBA) remain major challenge. Increasing the number of pregnancies attended by SBA could aid in lowering maternal morbidity and mortality. This study explores the perception of pregnant women towards Birth Preparedness and Complication Readiness (BPCR) in selected Primary Health care facilities of Ondo State, Nigeria. The study employed a qualitative approach where focus group discussion among twenty-two pregnant women were selected from primary health care. Data was analysed using inductive thematic method. Two thematic categories which include knowledge and Practice of pregnant women on BPCR, and seven subthemes emerged from the data; they included knowledge of danger signs, routine scan, and diet, purchase of baby and hospital items, antenatal registration, and exclusive breastfeeding. Poor perception of BPCR and practice were identified among the participants. Hence, the need for midwives to include all the elements BPCR into the prenatal education in order to reduce maternal health complications and death is recommended as this would lead to positive pregnancy outcome.
Keywords: Birth Preparedness, Complication Readiness, Pregnant Women, Prenatal education
Effect of Nurse-Led Training On Knowledge of Birth Preparedness and Complication Readiness Among Pregnant Women in Selected Primary Health Centres, Lagos State (Published)
Effect of nurse led-training on knowledge of birth preparedness and complications readiness among pregnant women has created much more concerns than ever before. Quasi-experimental research design was employed to assess effect of nurse-led training on knowledge of birth preparedness and complication readiness among 412 pregnant women in selected primary health centers, Lagos state. Nigeria. Multi-stage sampling procedure was used to select 412 pregnant women in selected primary health centers, Lagos state. Nigeria. Adapted instrument was administered to obtain information on relevant issues. Data was analysed using Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS 23.0). Result showed that the intervention of nurse led-training on complications readiness among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic had significant effect on readiness and available of birth materials (p<0.05), conversant with place of birth (p<0.05); recognition of skilled birth attendant (p<0.05); recognition of danger signs in pregnancy (p<0.05); saving money for delivery and emergence (p<0.05); provision for means of transportation (p<0.05). Result also revealed a notable difference between pre-intervention and post-intervention mean scores of knowledge regarding birth preparedness and complication readiness. This indicates that the nurse-led training successfully enhanced the understanding and awareness of pregnant women in these areas. It was recommended that there is need to implement evidence-based, interactive nurse-led training programs tailored to pregnant women’s socio-demographic characteristics, focusing on birth preparedness, complication readiness, and maternal healthcare.
Keywords: Birth Preparedness, Knowledge, complications, nurse-led training, readiness
Assessment of the Factors Influencing Birth Preparedness and Complication Readiness among Pregnant Women: A Case of Selected Health Care Facilities in Eldoret, Kenya (Published)
Evitable mortality and morbidity remains a formidable challenge in many developing countries, Kenya among them. Countering this challenge due to birth complications then becomes a critical area of concern. The principle and practice of Birth Preparedness and Complication Readiness (BP/CR) in resource-poor settings have the potential of reducing maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality rates. This paper aims to assess the factors that influence BP/CR among pregnant women attending Antenatal care in selected Health Care Facilities in Eldoret, Kenya. The current maternal mortality ratio is 488 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births (KDHS 2008-9). Most of these deaths occur due to the five leading causes: severe bleeding/hemorrhage (25%), infections (13%), unsafe abortions (13%), eclampsia (12%), obstructed labor (8%), other direct causes (8%), and indirect causes (20%). It is important to note that most of these deaths can be prevented by proper ANC attendances and ensuring the presence of a skilled birth attendant during delivery and/or in case of any complications (Omolo & Kizito, 2010). The study used a descriptive cross sectional approach. Pregnant women seeking antenatal services in 3 health care facilities (Eldoret West Health Centre, Huruma and Uasin Gishu District Hospitals) formed the target population from which a sample size of 273 was obtained using fisher’s formula. Data collection was done using questionnaire and analyzed using the SPSS software. Results are presented in tables and narratives. Among the factors established to be the most predictors included maternal education, source of income, pregnancy planning and attendance of Antenatal Care. The study recommends emphasis of Antenatal care education on birth preparedness and complication readiness to improve access to skilled and emergency obstetric care.
Keywords: Antenatal Care, Birth Preparedness, Complication Readiness, Kenya