Determinants of birth preparedness and complications readiness among mothers attending the antenatal care clinic at Katakwi General Hospital, Eastern Uganda: a cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION

Birth Preparedness and Complications Readiness (BPCR) is an essential component of antenatal care intended to reduce delays to access skilled care for birth and pregnancy/birth-related complications. Birth preparedness and complications readiness levels have been notably low, especially in sub-Saharan Africa and particularly in Uganda. This study established the level and determinants of birth preparedness and complications´ readiness among mothers attending the antenatal care clinic at Katakwi General Hospital.

METHODS

this was a cross-sectional study involving 378 mothers receiving antenatal care at Katakwi General Hospital between March and June 2024. Participants were interviewed using a structured questionnaire to record determinants and practices of birth preparedness and complications´ readiness. Three hundred and sixty-six questionnaires were analyzed, and 12 (3.2%) were dropped due to errors.

RESULTS

the overall level of birth preparedness and complication readiness was unsatisfactory. Antenatal care attendance was associated with better birth preparedness and complications readiness, while urban/semi-urban residence and history of miscarriage conversely had negative influences.

CONCLUSION

the overall level of birth preparedness and complications´ readiness was unsatisfactory. Antenatal care attendance was associated with better birth preparedness and complications readiness while urban/semi-urban residence and history of miscarriage had negative effects. The health care providers should improve on mothers´ education to increase levels of birth preparedness and complications readiness. Educating/counselling mothers from urban/semi-urban areas and those with histories of miscarriages should be emphasized to encourage and improve practices of birth preparedness and complication readiness.