Publications

Abstract

Birth Preparedness and Complication Readiness (BP/CR) is a strategy to promote the timely use of skilled maternal and neonatal care, especially during childbirth, based on the theory that preparing for childbirth and being ready for complications reduces delays in obtaining this care and prevents many maternal and neonatal deaths. The objective of the study is to assess birth preparedness and complication readiness (BP/CR) and its associated factors among women availing obstetric services at a rural maternity hospital in south Karnataka. A cross sectional study was carried out at a rural maternityhospital from Jan-Feb 2016. Convenience sampling was used to study 200 womenattending the hospital for delivery. An interview schedule consisting of socio-demographic details and assessment of BP/CR (JHPIEGO tool for monitoring BP/CR(2004)) was used. Among the 200 women interviewed, 76% were aware of any one danger sign in women during pregnancy, 23.5% during labour, 23.5% after giving birth and 61% in a newborn. The proportion of woman who were aware of any three danger signs was found to be extremely low. All had, in advance arranged money for delivery, 34% had arranged for transport, 72% had identified the health facility for delivery and none had identified a blood donor. There was poor knowledge about key danger signs in women during pregnancy, labour, post partum and in the new born which would lead to first delay. Knowledge about BP/CR is insufficient especially in case of identifying transport and blood donor which may lead to second delay. BP/CR shouldbe discussed repeatedly during antenatal visits.