Awareness of Birth Preparedness and Complication Readiness in Southeastern Nigeria

Abstract

The aims of this study are to assess the awareness and intention to use maternity services. This was a multicentric study involving 800 women. Educational status was the best predictor of awareness of birth preparedness ( P = 0.0029 ), but not a good predictor of intention to attend four antenatal clinic sessions ( P = 0.449 ). Parity was a better predictor of knowledge of severe vaginal bleeding as a key danger sign during pregnancy than educational level ( P = 0.0009 and P = 0.3849 , resp.). Plan to identify a means of transport to the place of childbirth was related to greater awareness of birth preparedness ( χ 2 = 0.3255 ; P = 0.5683 ). Parity was a highly significant predictor ( P = 0.0089 ) of planning to save money. Planning to save money for childbirth was associated with greater awareness of community financial support system ( χ 2 = 0.8602 ; P = 0.3536 ). Access to skilled birth attendance should be promoted.