Birth Preparedness and Complication Readiness among Mothers in Leka Dullacha District, Western Oromia, Ethiopia

Abstract

Birth preparedness and complication readiness is a key component of safe motherhood programs, which helps receiving skilled care during labor. However, studies in different areas in Ethiopia show that there is low knowledge and practice of birth preparedness and complication readiness. The aim of this study was to assess birth preparedness and complication readiness among mothers in Leka Dullacha district, Oromia Regional state. A Birth preparedness, community-based cross sectional study design was conducted on a sample of complication readiness, 580 mothers who gave birth in the last 12 months preceding the survey. The ANC, women were asked whether they followed the desired five steps while obstetric pregnant: identified a trained birth attendant, identified a health facility for birth, arranged transport, identified blood donors and saved money for emergency. Taking at least three steps was considered as being well- prepared. Univariate, bivariate and multivariate analyses were done. The strength of statistical association was measured by adjusted odds ratios with 95% Confidence Interval. A statistical significance was considered at P<0.05. Five hundred six, (88.8%), of the mothers planned place of delivery, 344 (60.4%), planned a means of transportation, 312 (54.7%), saved money, fifty (8.8%) prepared blood donors, 408 (71.6%), identified Companion to health facility, 223 (39.1%) identified skilled delivery care provider. But there is a big discrepancy between what was planned and actual place of birth. From multivariate analysis, being government employees (AOR= 9.50, 95% CI= th) 1.24- 7.24), education level (9-12 , (AOR=3.57, 95% =1.20-10.60), attended ANC four times (AOR=4.94, 95% CI=1.47-16.54), ever heard about birth preparedness (AOR=1.62, 95% CI=1.03-2.57), told about birth preparedness during their ANC visit (AOR=3.01, 95% CI=1.80-4.98), monthly income (AOR=2.89, 95% CI=1.62-5.15) were positively associated with birth preparedness and complication readiness. Though a good proportion of the respondents planned to give birth at health institutions, the actual practice was very low. Being public employee, having secondary education, attending ANC, information about birth preparedness and complication readiness during ANC visit and having monthly income were found to be positively associated with birth preparedness and complication readiness. It is recommended that health care providers should pay attention to educate mothers about the importance of institutional delivery and work more on attracting mothers.