Factors Influencing Birth Preparedness Among Antenatal Care at Kasangati Health Center IV.

Abstract

Background: Birth preparedness and complication readiness is the process of planning for normal birth and anticipating the action needed in the case of emergency. It is also a strategy to promote utilization of skilled maternal and neonatal care timely, based on the assumption that preparing for child birth and being ready for complications reduces delay in obtaining this care

Objective: The aim of the study was to assess the factors influencing birth preparedness among antenatal women at Kasangati Health center IV

Method: A descriptive cross sectional study was employed to assess the factors influencing birth preparedness among antenatal women at Kasangati Health center IV. A total of 368 women attending ANC clinic in Kasangati Health Centre were included in this study using non probability, convenient sampling technique. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Data were entered and analyzed using SPSS version 20.

Result: From the assessment done the level of birth preparedness was low at 19.6%. Occupation (OR=0.000), time taken to reach the nearest facility (OR=0.002), distance (OR=0.002), health education at ANC (OR=0.000), number of ANC visit (OR=0.040), giving birth to still birth (OR=0.000) and having babies who developed complication (OR=0.003) were independently associated with birth preparedness

Conclusion: The findings highlight the level of birth preparedness is low. The research recommends to ministry of health to sensitize women of reproductive age on birth preparedness. Birth preparedness should also be improved through quality ANC. The government through relevant agencies should encourage the education of the girl child and put in place strategies to increase the average income of women.