BIRTH PREPAREDNESS AND COMPLICATION READINESS: EXPERIENCE FROM A SEMI-URBAN COMMUNITY IN BENIN-CITY
J. A. OSAIKHUWUOMWAN *
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, College of Medical Sciences, University of Benin, Benin- City, Nigeria
J. N. OMO-IDONIJE
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, College of Medical Sciences, University of Benin, Benin- City, Nigeria
A. P. OSEMWENKHA
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, College of Medical Sciences, University of Benin, Benin- City, Nigeria
N. O. ENARUNA
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, College of Medical Sciences, University of Benin, Benin- City, Nigeria
A. B. ANDE
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, College of Medical Sciences, University of Benin, Benin- City, Nigeria
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Purpose: To assess the awareness, attitude and intention to access Birth Preparedness and complication Readiness (BPACR) amongst antenatal clinic (ANC) attendees in selected Primary Health Care Centres (PHC) in Benin-City.
Methods: A cross sectional survey of ANC attendees was conducted over 3 months using structured questionnaires and focused discussion with direct questioning.
Results: This study revealed 13.3% and 40% awareness of the term “Birth Preparedness” and “danger signs in Pregnancy” respectively. Many of the respondents were unable to name more than 1 danger sign. The educational status of the respondents had a positive correlation to knowledge of danger signs in pregnancy. Overall better awareness of BPACR was associated with a older age (66.7%), tertiary education(100%) as well as higher parity (80%); However, knowledge and comprehension of danger signs following direct oral questioning and focused discussion, was 100% in the positive affirmative across the biosocial variables analysed. On the intent to plan and utilize BPACR strategy, majority of participants responded in the affirmative across age, education and parity.
Conclusion: Educational status is a dominant factor influencing awareness and utilization of BPACR. Irrespective of biosocial variables focused discourse significantly improved awareness and knowledge of BPACR amongst participants. It becomes imperative that information on BPACR is communicated (in comprehensible terms) to ANC attendees’’ in order to engender awareness and improve utilization of this worthy safe motherhood strategy.
Keywords: Birth preparedness, awareness, pregnancy, antenatal care, safe motherhood