Birth Preparedness And Complication Readiness Knowledge And Practice Among Pregnant Women In Selected Primary Health Care Centers In Port Harcourt, Rivers State
Publication Date: 07/07/2020
Author(s): Aguma Onyinye Celestina, Dr. Ihudiebube-Splendor C.N., Dr. Altraide Omieibi Basil, Peretomode Evans.
Volume/Issue: Volume 3 , Issue 4 (2020)
Abstract:
The birth of a baby usually brings unending joy in a family. What is most pleasing is when the outcome of the pregnancy results in both mother and baby being alive. Birth preparedness and complication readiness (BPCR) is an approach for achieving this objective. Descriptive cross-sectional study design was adopted to assess BPCR knowledge and practice among pregnant women in selected primary healthcare centres in Port-Harcourt Local Government Area,Rivers State. A self-structured questionnaire was used to collect data from 380 conveniently selected pregnant women with a response rate of 370(97%). Data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics at 5% level of significance. Findings showed that the majority of respondents were married,between the ages of 25-32 years , had secondary education and of the christian faith. The majority 252(68.95%) had good knowledge about BPCR while 118(31.1%) had poor knowledge. Practice of BPCR showed that 283(76.5%) had not made transport arrangement, 201(54.3%) had not identified a skilled birth attendant fir the delivery, 213(57.6%) had not saved money for delivery. Overall, 199(53.8) did not practice BPCR while 171(46.2%) practised it. Statistical analysis using chi-square test showed that there was a significant association between knowledge and practice of BPCR. It is recommended that midwives should provide regular counselling sections and health teaching on BPCR during antenatal visits. Keywords: Birth Preparedness and Complication Readiness, Pregnant women,Knowledge, Practice, Antenatal Clinic
