Birth preparedness and complication readiness among pregnant women visiting a government hospital in Delhi, India

BACKGROUND: According to the WHO, about 830 women die from pregnancy or childbirth-related complications globally and can be attributed to the three delays that influence the outcome of any pregnancy. Birth preparedness and complication readiness (BPCR) is one of the most conceptual and logical means of addressing these delays. OBJECTIVE: The objective was to study BPCR among pregnant women visiting ANC clinic at a tertiary care government hospital in Delhi. MATERIALS AND METHODS: It was a cross-sectional study conducted among 200 pregnant women, irrespective of gestational age visiting the hospital. Information was gathered using a pre-designed, pre-tested, semi-structured questionnaire by an interview about BPCR. Descriptive analysis was done and tests of significance were applied to determine association. RESULTS: Awareness about dangers signs during pregnancy and childbirth and symptoms indicating onset of labor were all found to be poor, none of subjects were aware of all the signs. About 76% believed they should identify an institution for delivery ahead of time, while 68.5% had identified one and 64 (32%) had arranged a mode of transport. One hundred sixteen women (58%) believed that they should save money for the incurring costs of pregnancy, while 105 (52.5%) were saving money for the same. Sixty-three women (31.5%) agreed that it is necessary to identify a blood donor; however, only 7.5% had identified one. The BPCR index for the current study was 37.12. CONCLUSION: Efforts should be targeted to increase the awareness about various components of BPCR along with increased involvement of community health workers and health-care providers.