Knowledge And Practice Of Birth Preparedness And Complication Readiness Among Pregnant Women In Selected Health Facilities In Enugu South Local Government Area, Enugu State

ABSTRACT

Avoidable maternal mortality remains a huge burden more especially in sub-Sahara

Africa. Expectant mothers are faced with life threatening complication which a birth

preparedness and complication readiness plan helps to actively avoid. When a woman is

adequately prepared for normal childbirth and possible complications, she is more likely

to access the skilled and prompt care she needs to protect her overall health and possibly

save her life and that of her baby. The study assessed the knowledge and practice of birth

preparedness and complication readiness among women in selected health care facilities

in Enugu south local government Area of Enugu State. Descriptive cross- selection

survey research design was adopted with a sample size of 422 pregnant women at 8

selected health care facilities in the local government area. Data was collected with

interviewer administered questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS version 17 for windows.

The findings revealed that only 20.5% of the respondents had good knowledge of the

components of BPCR. Most of the respondents 87.6% lacked good knowledge of key

danger signs of pregnancy, labour and postpartum, while the majority 78.6%, 96.7% and

95.5% knew that vaginal bleeding is a key danger sign of pregnancy, labour and

postpartum respectively. The majority 65.2% was poor in their practice birth

preparedness and complication readiness and almost all 92.5% did not identify a

compactable blood donor. All the respondents needed at least one form of social support

while 95.7% needed psychological support which was the most needed support by the

respondents. Age P=0.000, marital status P=0.001, level of education P=0.000 and

occupation P=0.000 of the respondentshad significant relationship with their knowledge

of BPCR. Whereas age P=0.000, educational level P=0.000 and occupation P=0.000 of

respondents had significant relationship with their practice of BPCR. In conclusion, there

was poor knowledge and practice of BPCR in the study area. In recommendation, there is

need for intensified health education on the components of BPCR, key danger signs of

pregnancy, labour and post partum while the importance of practicing BPCR must always

be emphasized during antenatal visit.