Birth preparedness and complication readiness among women of reproductive age group in Abakaliki, Southeast Nigeria

Background: Birth preparedness and complication readiness (BPCR) reduces delays in obstetric care, improves health-seeking behavior during an obstetric emergency, and improves knowledge on danger signs of pregnancy. Aims: To assess the knowledge, perception, and practice of women on BPCR. Subjects and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted at Federal Teaching Hospital in Ebonyi state, Nigeria at the postnatal ward from June to December 2016. Women who delivered were recruited consecutively on discharge from the postnatal ward. Their knowledge, perception, and practice of BPCR in the last pregnancy were sought. Information obtained were analyzed using 2008 Epi-info™ software version 3.5.1 (Atlanta Georgia USA). Result: A total of 438 of 445 questionnaires were correctly filled and analyzed giving a response rate of 98.4%. Most of the women knew about birth preparedness 384 (87.7%) and complication readiness 348 (79.5%). A significant number of women did not access antenatal care within the first trimester 236 (53.9%), did not know that family planning is important in BPCR 216 (49.3%), and did not identify means of transport in the event of emergency 354 (80.8%). No provision of blood during antenatal care for the blood banking system was a common finding 258 (58.9%). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, choosing a health care provider was a common finding among literate mothers (OR = 2.8,95% CI = 1.02,7.72), woman within 25-29 years (OR = 1.09, 95%CI = 1.02,1.16), and multiparas (OR = 0.82, 95% CI = 0.67,0.99). Conclusion: There is increased knowledge and awareness of BPCR but the comprehensive components and practices of BPCR are still not optimal in our setting.