A Cross-Sectional Study to Assess Birth Preparedness and Complication Readiness (BPACR) Status in Antenatal Mothers of Selected Primary Health Centre of New Delhi

Abstract

Introduction: Motherhood is a time of anticipation of joy for a woman, her family and her community. In spite of this fact, it is not as enjoyable as it should be because of numerous reasons. Insufficiency or lack of birth preparedness and complication readiness is the most common reason. Birth preparedness & complication readiness (BPACR) is a strategy that effectively plan birth and deals with emergencies. Objective: This study aimed to assess the Birth Preparedness and Complication Readiness (BPACR) status in antenatal mothers and its relationship with selected demographic variables and disseminate information booklet regarding BPACR. Materials and Methods: An exploratory cross-sectional study was carried out in selected PHCs of New Delhi in October-November 2017. A total of 200 women were randomly selected and interviewed using pretested structured interview schedule and the data was analysed using a computer program of SPSS version 25. Results: 50.4 percent of the respondents were found to have prepared for birth and its complications. In present study BPACR status of 156 antenatal mothers i.e. 78% was adequate and 22% (44) was found to be inadequate. Less than half of the respondents were aware on birth preparedness (44.6%) and complication readiness (43.4%). There is statistically significant relationship of BPACR with age of the mother (p=0.043), education status of the mother (p=0.037) and parity (p=0.027) at 0.05 level of significance. Conclusion: This study identified that poor knowledge, inadequate birth preparedness, and complication readiness were prevalent among mothers in the study area. Community participation and health care providers in the areas of maternal and child health should operate together to maximize birth preparedness and complication readiness practices.