Birth preparedness and emergency readiness of pregnant women in Amaku general hospital Awka, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Birth preparedness and emergency readiness constitute a comprehensive strategy to improve the use of skilled providers at birth and a key intervention to decrease maternal mortality. Complications can arise at any time during pregnancy, childbirth, and post-partum period. These emergencies can be life-threatening requiring urgent intervention to mitigate their effects. This study assessed the birth preparedness and emergency readiness of antenatal clinic attendees in Amaku General Hospital Awka, Nigeria.
Method: The study design was cross sectional and it employed systematic sampling technique to recruit consenting 100 antenatal
clinic attendees from whom socio demographic and knowledge data were obtained using interviewer administered questionnaire. The
data were analyzed with the statistical package of social sciences (SPSS).
Result: Their mean age was 27.9+4.5 years. Half of the respondents registered for ANC before 20 weeks gestational age while 93%
identified a health facility for delivery. As many as 78(78%) of the respondents had started buying materials and supply needed for
delivery, and 65(65%) were already saving money for the same purpose. Although 70(70%) of the subjects had arranged for
emergency transportation, only 6(6%) had made arrangement for a blood donor.
Conclusion: Despite efforts to provide fully equipped health facilities for basic and emergency obstetrics care, pregnant women need
re-orientation to anticipate and plan for untoward events.

Key words: Plan, birth, emergency readiness, pregnant women, Awka.