Assessment of birth preparedness and complication readiness and associated factors among reproductive age women in Wonago district, Gedeo zone, Southern Ethiopia

Background: Pregnancy related complications cannot be reliably predicted. Hence, it is particularly important that all births are planned as well as attended by skilled attendants as timely management and treatment can make the difference between life and death . This study was aimed to assess the current status of birth preparedness and complication readiness in Wonago district, Gedeo zone, South Ethiopia from May 01-27, 2017 Methods: : A community based cross-sectional study was employed using multi-stage sampling technique to recruit a total of 462 women. Interview was done using semi-structured and pre-tested questionnaire. A woman was considered prepared for birth and its complications if at least three of the five items (Identify place of delivery, saving money for childbirth, identify a mode of transport, identifying a potential blood donor, skilled provider at birth) were identified by the women Univariate and bivariate analysis was performed. Multiple logistic regression analysis was also done to assess factors independently associated with the outcome variable. Result: Among the total 459 respondents, 130(28.3 %%) of them identified their place of birth, 298(64.9%) had saved money, 85(18.5%) had identified a skilled provider, 145(31.6%) had arranged a mode of transportation and 8(1.7%) of them prepared a blood donor in case of emergency before partum. Only 73(15.9%) women were well prepared for birth and its complications as per the recommendation. Regarding pregnancy related risks, 122(26.6%), 114(24.8%) and 73(16%) of them had good knowledge of danger signs of pregnancy, labour and post-partum periods respectively. Antenatal care follow up, knowledge of key danger signs during labour and husband’s income were significantly associated with birth preparedness practice. Conclusion: This study revealed a very low practice of birth preparedness (15.9%) in the area with better preparedness in identifying place of birth. Community based education about birth preparedness with special emphasis on knowledge of danger signs of pregnancy, labour and postpartum periods and associated factors is needs further emphasis.