Birth preparedness and complication readiness among women in Surulere Local Government Area, Lagos State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: The progress in maternal and newborn care over the years has been remarkable. In Nigeria many births are still not  attended to by skilled birth attendants (SBA). Hence maternal and newborn mortality remain high. Birth preparedness and complications readiness (BCPR) is a key intervention towards improving these indices, recommended by the World Health Organization and adopted by the governments of many nations including Nigeria. Every pregnant woman faces the risk of sudden, unpredictable complications that could end in death or injury to herself or to her infant. This study, therefore, aims to address this risk by assessing
knowledge, attitude and practice associated with BPCR among women in Surulere Local Government Area in Lagos, Nigeria.

Methodology: The study was a descriptive crosssectional study among 216 , selected by multi-stage sampling technique. Data was collected through a using a pretested, interviewer-administered questionnaire and analysis was carried out using Microsoft Excel 2010 and Epi Info 7 statistical software. The level of significance was predetermined at p<0.05.

Results: Overall, 46.3% of respondents had good knowledge of the danger signs that could occur before, during or after delivery. Over  half of the women (52.3%) had a positive attitude towards BPCR, while 62.0% of the respondents practiced a good level of birth preparedness and readiness for any complication that might arise during pregnancy and delivery. Good knowledge was associated with level of education (p<0.001), occupation (p=0.022) and number of children (p=0.046). Knowledge was significantly associated with attitude (<0.001) but not practice.

Conclusion: The study showed that the respondents had poor knowledge of BPCR and positive attitude towards it. Many of them were  not birth prepared nor complications ready. Interventions aimed at increasing BPCR practices should be focused on educating women, increasing awareness through health education and providing skilled maternal and newborn care services.