Nkencho Osegi , Anthony Okeoghene Eguvbe and Vincent Yakubu Adam
Background: In our society now and the past, cultural beliefs and lack of awareness inhibit preparation in advance for delivery and expected baby. Since no action is taken prior to the delivery, the family tries to act only when labour begins. The majority of pregnant women and their families do not know how to recognize the dangerous signs of complications. When complications occur, the unprepared family will waste a great deal of time in recognizing the problem, getting organized, getting money, finding transport and reaching the appropriate referral facility.
Objectives: To assess birth preparedness and complication readiness amongst antenatal attendees in Yenagoa metropolis.
Methods: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study done amongst pregnant women of childbearing ages attending ANC clinics using an intervieweradministered semi-structured questionnaire. Participants were selected using a systematic random sampling technique. There was a birth preparedness and complication readiness scoring system developed and applied. The data collected were analyzed using SPSS version 20.
Results: The majority 242 (93.1%) of the respondents were aware of birth preparedness. Most 229 (88.1%) got their information from health workers. The majority 224 (86.2%) selected a place for the birth of their child. The majority 233 (89.6%) can recognize the onset of labour. The birth preparedness plan was understood by 219 (84.2%) participants. Danger signs could be recognized by 221 (85.0%). Complication readiness plan was understood by 125 (48.1%), 209 (80.4%) chose the healthcare provider in case of an emergency, 174 (66.9%) stay close to their healthcare provider and 242 (93.1%) knows the transportation systems on how to get to the health facility in case of emergency. Using the birth preparedness and complication readiness scoring results, the majority of the study participants 197 (75.8) were not prepared for birth and not ready for complications while only 63 (24.2) were prepared.
Conclusion: Birth preparedness and complication readiness amongst respondents was poor. There is a need for education of women and improving their socioeconomic status for better knowledge and attitude to birth preparedness and complication readiness.