Birth Preparedness and Complication Readiness among Primigravida Women Attending Antenatal Clinic at Nakuru County Hospital, Kenya

Abstract

Background: Birth preparedness and complication readiness promotes maternal healthcare service utilization to ensure safe motherhood by reducing the three-delay in seeking care, reaching the health facility and receiving timely care. This study sought to assess determinants of birth preparedness and complication readiness among primigravida women in Nakuru county hospital.

Methods: A descriptive cross- sectional study design using quantitative and qualitative methods. Target population was primigravida women aged 15-49 years and in charges attending to them. A sample of 262 primigravida’s and six key informants were interviewed. Health belief model was used. Descriptive statistics was used to generate frequencies and proportions. Dependant variable was birth preparedness. The Chi square test was used to test the association of the independent and dependent variables at 95% confidence interval. Logistic regression was used to describe the relationships between variables. Qualitative findings comprised of coding using NVIVO 8 software into subthemes and themes respectively. 

Results: Most respondents 90% had funds available for transport ,90% had identified mode of transport and the facility to deliver. Those who did not report on knowledge of danger signs during pregnancy were 21%, 86% during labour and 66% during postpartum. There were lesser odds of BP/CR for those aged 15 compared to those aged above 20 (OR 0.39, 95% CI 0.219- 6.96). There were lesser odds BP/CR for those who had primary level of education compared to those in university (OR 0.486, 95% CI 0.284-8.31). From the qualitative analysis two themes emerged.

Conclusion: The study revealed low level of knowledge on danger signs.

Key words: Birth preparedness, complication readiness, Kenya