Birth preparedness and complication readiness among women in Adigrat town, north Ethiopia

Abstract Background: Avoidable mortality and morbidity remains a formidable challenge in many developing countries like Ethiopia. Pregnancy related complications can not be reliably predicted and it is necessary to design strategies to overcome those problems when they arise. Objective: To assess knowledge and practices with respect to birth preparedness and complication readiness and factors associated with their practices among women who gave birth in the last 12 months preceding the survey in Adigrat Town, Tigray Regional State, Ethiopia. Method: A cross-sectional community-based study was conducted in September and October 2006. A total of 538 women who gave birth in the last 12 months preceding the survey were randomly selected for interview. Results: Data were obtained from 534 mothers, yielding a response rate 99.3%. Taking into account place of delivery identification, means of transportation and saving money, about 22% of the respondents were prepared for birth and its complications. In multivariate analysis, preparation for birth and its complication was higher among literate mothers (OR= 2.11, 95% CI= 1.17, 3.80), married women (OR= 5.69, 95% CI= 1.67, 19.38), women with parity range of 2 to 4 (OR= 2.53, 95% CI= 1.17, 5.44), women with history of still birth (OR= 4.41, 95% CI= 1.68, 11.59) and those who were advised about birth preparedness during their antenatal care follow up (OR= 2.65, 95% CI= 1.66, 4.23). Conclusion: The study identified poor comprehensive knowledge and practices of preparation for birth and its complication in the area. Community education about preparation for birth and its complication and empowerment of women through expansion of educational opportunities are important steps in improving birth preparedness and consequently the effects of pregnancy related complications. Antenatal care clinics should give due emphasis to preparation for birth and its complication and provide information and education to all pregnant women. Ethiop.J.Health Dev. 2007;22(1):14-20