Birth preparedness and complication readiness among pregnant women in resource-limited setting in rural Northern Ghana

Abstract
Introduction: in developing countries, complications during pregnancy and childbirth are still a leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality. Birth preparedness and complication readiness (BPCR) is a key strategy to encourage pregnant women to seek care from skilled birth attendants. Birth preparedness and complication readiness status and its associated factors are currently unknown in rural Northern Ghana. This study assessed BPCR status among pregnant women in Sissala East and Sissala West Districts of Rural Northern Ghana. Methods: we conducted a community-based descriptive cross-sectional study in two districts in rural Northern Ghana. A total of 549 participants were sampled using the multi stage sampling technique and data were analyzed both descriptively and analytically using binary logistic regression. Results: the study enrolled 549 mothers. Less than half (4.7%) of respondents had adequate knowledge of warning signs during pregnancy. With respect to BPCR, only 46.5% of the mothers were well prepared. With respect to multivariate analysis, respondents who had attended primary (aOR = 1.77, 95% CI: 1.15, 2.73), secondary (aOR = 4.43, 95% CI: 2.61, 7.52) or tertiary education (aOR = 4.78, 95% CI: 1.89, 12.11) were significantly associated with good birth preparedness and complication readiness. Pregnant Islamic women were less likely to have adequate knowledge of warning signs during pregnancy when compared with Christian women (aOR = 0.14, 95% CI: 0.02, 0.81). Conclusion: this study showed that poor knowledge of warning signs during pregnancy and inadequate BPCR among mothers. Providing adequate BPCR information and counseling, with emphasis on warning signs during pregnancy and delivery is essential.
Description
This is an article published by Alex Bapula et al. Birth preparedness and complication readiness among pregnant women in resource limited setting in rural Northern Ghana. PAMJ - One Health. 2021;6(9). 10.11604/pamj-oh.2021.6.9.26900
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Citation
Alex Bapula et al. Birth preparedness and complication readiness among pregnant women in resource limited setting in rural Northern Ghana. PAMJ - One Health. 2021;6(9). 10.11604/pamj-oh.2021.6.9.26900
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