Awareness of Birth Preparedness and Complication Readiness in Southeastern Nigeria

Abstract EN

The aims of this study are to assess the awareness and intention to use maternity services.

This was a multicentric study involving 800 women.

Educational status was the best predictor of awareness of birth preparedness (P=0.0029), but not a good predictor of intention to attend four antenatal clinic sessions (P=0.449).

Parity was a better predictor of knowledge of severe vaginal bleeding as a key danger sign during pregnancy than educational level (P=0.0009 and P=0.3849, resp.).

Plan to identify a means of transport to the place of childbirth was related to greater awareness of birth preparedness (χ2=0.3255; P=0.5683).

Parity was a highly significant predictor (P=0.0089) of planning to save money.

Planning to save money for childbirth was associated with greater awareness of community financial support system (χ2=0.8602; P=0.3536).

Access to skilled birth attendance should be promoted.