Assessment of knowledge and practice on birth preparedness and complication readiness among women who gave birth in the last 12 months in southwest, Ethiopia 2016

Background: Avoidable mortality and morbidity remains formidable challenge in many developing countries like Ethiopia. Pregnancy-related complications cannot be reliably predicted and it is necessary to design strategies to overcome problems when they arise. Lack of advance planning for use of a skilled birth attendant for normal births, and particularly inadequate preparation for rapid action in the events of obstetric complications, are well documented factors contributing to delay in receiving skilled obstetric care. Birth preparedness has been globally endorsed as an essential component of safe motherhood programs to reduce delays for care, so as to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality rate. Methods: A cross-sectional community based study was conducted to examine knowledge and practice of birth preparedness and complication readiness among women who gave birth in the last 12 months in Mizan-Aman town by using pretested structured questionnaires. The sampling technique was that of systematic sampling and the sample size was 239. Results: Data were obtained from 239 mothers, yielding 98% a response rate. Out of total respondents more than half (53.5%) of respondents said that they knew the term “birth preparedness.” More specifically, 44.7%, 50.8%, 31.8% of the respondents were knowledgeable about possible danger signs during pregnancy, during delivery, and postpartum period, respectively. Concerning complication readiness, 50% stated that they were prepared for birth and its complications. Conclusion and Recommendation: Knowledge and practices of birth preparedness and complication readiness is not comprehensive according to the result of this study. Many respondents did not know about birth preparedness and had no plans for emergencies. Therefore, community education about preparations for birth and its complications and empowerment of women through expansion of educational opportunities are recommended for improving birth preparedness and the effects of pregnancy-related complications.