Correlates of birth preparedness practices and complication readiness among women in eight communities in Delta State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Birth preparedness helps women avert possible complications associated with delivery, hence promoting safe motherhood. Objective: In this paper, we assessed the magnitude of birth preparedness and complication readiness and its determinants among women within the reproductive ages selected from four rural communities in Delta State, Southern Nigeria. Methods: The study was a cross-sectional household survey. The study included a sample size of 400 women within the reproductive ages. Analyses were undertaken at two levels at univariate and multivariate. At univariate, simple percentages and frequencies were used to describe the feature of respondents. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine the predictors of birth preparedness and complication readiness among the women. The results were presented as odds ratios at a 95% confidence interval. A p < 0.05 was used to determine statistical significance. Results: The results revealed that 48.7% of the respondents were prepared for birth and 42.9% were prepared for complications. About 36.7% saved money for delivery expenses, 28.1% knew the signs for the onset of labour, 35.2% bought all the materials they needed and made them available for delivery, 24.7% reported they knew the exact date for their delivery and 26.6% saved funds for emergency complications. In addition, 52.1% of respondents had overall knowledge of obstetric complications. The logistic regression revealed that employment status, number of living children and set of communities were the significant predictors of birth preparedness plan and complication readiness among the study participants. Conclusion: The study concluded that the level of birth preparedness and complication readiness was low among women in Delta State, Nigeria. In addition, knowledge of danger signs was low. It is recommended that intervention programs that educate rural women on danger signs of complications and also on the benefits of birth preparedness should be implemented in a rural part of Nigeria.