Birth Preparedness and Complication Readiness and Associated Factors Among Recently Delivered Mothers in Mizan-Aman Town, Southwest Ethiopia, 2019.

BACKGROUND

Pregnancy and childbirth-related deaths have become a global public health issue and the burden is more prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa, including Ethiopia. While several attempts have been made to minimize maternal mortality, the practice of birth preparedness and complication readiness is still inadequate in Ethiopia. As a result, this study was initiated to identify the gaps in birth preparedness and complication readiness practice in Southwest Ethiopia.

OBJECTIVE

Aimed to assess the magnitude of birth preparedness, anticipated complication practices, and associated factors among recently delivered women in Mizan-Aman Town, southwestern Ethiopia, 2019.

METHODS

A community-based cross-section study was conducted on 491 recently delivered mothers between May and June 2019. A multistage sampling technique was employed and data were collected via face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire. The result was analyzed via SPSS version 25 and binary logistic regression was used to determine the association. Finally, the results were deemed significant when the P-value was <0.05.

RESULTS

Out of 491 mothers, only 109 (22.2%) of respondents were well prepared for birth and its complications. Having a history of stillbirth 3.646 (AOR: 95% CI: 1.72, 5.65), being informed the term BP/CR from their friends 3.05 (AOR: 95% CI: 1.04, 8.89), being aware of pregnancy danger signs 2.82(AOR:  95% CI: 1.21,6.57) and being aware of two out of four postpartum danger signs 3.571(AOR:  95%  CI: 1.511,8.443) were found to be important predictors of birth preparedness and its complication practice. In addition, having infants birth order between 4-6 and being a housewife mother by occupation were considered as protective factors.

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

The status of birth preparedness and its complication was found to be low in this study and, therefore, intensive awareness-raising and promotion activities shall be implemented at the community and health facility level.