Birth Preparedness Among Expectant Teenagers in Ledzorkuku Krowor Municipal Assembly (Lekma)

ABSTRACT 

Introduction One of the strategies aimed at enhancing the utilization of skilled care in low-income countries is improving knowledge of obstetric danger signs and birth preparedness. SubSaharan Africa has the highest number of teenage women who are pregnant (20-40%). In Ghana, teenage pregnancy and early marriage contribute to high maternal and child mortality. This study sought to determine the level of birth preparedness and knowledge of obstetric danger signs among expectant teenagers in Ledzorkuku Krowor Municipal Assembly (LEKMA). Methodology The study was a hospital and community based cross sectional study involving 305 expectant teenage mothers. Following informed consent, structured questionnaire was used to obtain information on socio-demographic and background characteristics, indicators of birth preparedness and obstetric danger signs. Data was analyzed using STATA (version 12.0). Univariate analysis presented proportions of indicators of birth preparedness and obstetric danger signs. Bivariate analysis presented associations between explanatory variables (age, educational level, marital status and number of ANC visits) and outcome variables (birth preparedness and knowledge on obstetric danger signs). Binary logistic regression was used to identify the determinants of outcome variables. Results Approximately half (49.2%) of the respondents were prepared for delivery. On the contrary, about (73%) respondents in this study were knowledgeable in obstetric danger v signs. Respondent’s employment status (OR=2.38; 95% C.I. 1.50-3.77), length of pregnancy (OR=0.05; 95% C.I. 0.01-0.35) and number of ANC visits (OR=2.83; 95% C.I. 1.68-4.78) were associated with level of birth preparedness. Age (OR=2.42; 95% C.I. 1.20-4.87), employment status (OR=0.51; 95% C.I. 0.31-0.86), educational level (OR=4.13; 95% C.I. 1.22-14.03) and length of pregnancy (OR=0.57; 95% C.I. 0.31- 1.02) were associated with level of knowledge on obstetric danger signs. Conclusion In this study, (49.2%) of the respondents were prepared for delivery while (73%) respondents were knowledgeable in obstetric danger signs. Respondent’s employment status, length of pregnancy and number of ANC visits were significant determinants of level of birth preparedness. Age, employment status, educational level and length of pregnancy were significant determinants of level of knowledge on obstetric danger signs.