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
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