Birth Preparedness and Complication Readiness and Associated Factors Among Recently Delivered Mothers in Mizan-Aman Town, Southwest Ethiopia, 2019

Muluken Amare Wudu,¹ Tesfa Birlew Tsegaye<sup>2

1</sup>Department of Pediatrics and Child-Health Nursing, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, 1145, Ethiopia; ²Department of Public-Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Debre Markos University, Debre-Markos, 269, Ethiopia

Correspondence: Muluken Amare Wudu
Department of Pediatrics and Child-Health Nursing, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, 1145, Ethiopia
Tel +251912975922
Fax +251 333115052
Email 385mule@gmail.com

Background: Pregnancy and childbirth-related deaths have become a global public health issue and the burden is more prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa, including Ethiopia. While several attempts have been made to minimize maternal mortality, the practice of birth preparedness and complication readiness is still inadequate in Ethiopia. As a result, this study was initiated to identify the gaps in birth preparedness and complication readiness practice in Southwest Ethiopia.
Objective: Aimed to assess the magnitude of birth preparedness, anticipated complication practices, and associated factors among recently delivered women in Mizan-Aman Town, southwestern Ethiopia, 2019.
Methods: A community-based cross-section study was conducted on 491 recently delivered mothers between May and June 2019. A multistage sampling technique was employed and data were collected via face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire. The result was analyzed via SPSS version 25 and binary logistic regression was used to determine the association. Finally, the results were deemed significant when the P-value was < 0.05.
Results: Out of 491 mothers, only 109 (22.2%) of respondents were well prepared for birth and its complications. Having a history of stillbirth 3.646 (AOR: 95% CI: 1.72, 5.65), being informed the term BP/CR from their friends 3.05 (AOR: 95% CI: 1.04, 8.89), being aware of pregnancy danger signs 2.82(AOR:  95% CI: 1.21,6.57) and being aware of two out of four postpartum danger signs 3.571(AOR:  95%  CI: 1.511,8.443) were found to be important predictors of birth preparedness and its complication practice. In addition, having infants birth order between 4– 6 and being a housewife mother by occupation were considered as protective factors.
Conclusions and Recommendations: The status of birth preparedness and its complication was found to be low in this study and, therefore, intensive awareness-raising and promotion activities shall be implemented at the community and health facility level.

Keywords: birth preparedness, complication readiness, southwestern Ethiopia