Improving knowledge on obstetric danger signs and promoting birth
preparedness practices is a major strategy to increase the utilization of quality
health services during pregnancy and childbirth. The aim of this study was to
assess knowledge and practices of women on birth preparedness and
complication readiness and factors associated with it.
Methods
A community-based survey based on proportionate cluster random sampling
was conducted among 310 women who gave birth in the last 12 months
preceding the study in Lekhnath municipality, Nepal.
Results
Only 34.8%, 59.0% and 39.7% women had knowledge on at least two danger
sign during pregnancy, child birth and post-partum respectively. Only one-third
(33.2%) women had knowledge on all five components of birth preparedness and complication readiness
(BPACR). About same proportion (34.2%) women were prepared for all five components of BPACR. But very
few proportion (8.4%) women utilized all five prepaid items of BPACR. The study found significant association
of BPACR with women’s education (p<0.001, Crude OR 38.65, 95% CI 9.26-160.68), antenatal care service (p-
0.003, Crude OR 11.47, 95% CI 1.51-86.73) and awareness on obstetric danger signs during pregnancy (Crude
OR 33.25, 95% CI 17.57-68.58), delivery (Crude OR 10.34, 95% CI 5.33.-20.04), and post-partum (Crude OR
15.38, 95% CI 8.61-27.38).
Conclusion
The study concluded low level of knowledge, preparedness and utilization of all essential components of
BPACR and positive influence of women’s education, antenatal care service and awareness on obstetric
danger signs in BPACR
