Birth Preparedness and Complication Readiness and Associated Factors Among Recently Delivered Mothers in Mizan-Aman Town, Southwest Ethiopia, 2019

BACKGROUND: Pregnancy and childbirth-related deaths have become a global public health issue and the burden is more prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa, including Ethiopia. While several attempts have been made to minimize maternal mortality, the practice of birth preparedness and complication readiness is still inadequate in Ethiopia. As a result, this study was initiated to identify the gaps in birth preparedness and complication readiness practice in Southwest Ethiopia. OBJECTIVE: Aimed to assess the magnitude of birth preparedness, anticipated complication practices, and associated factors among recently delivered women in Mizan-Aman Town, southwestern Ethiopia, 2019. METHODS: A community-based cross-section study was conducted on 491 recently delivered mothers between May and June 2019. A multistage sampling technique was employed and data were collected via face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire. The result was analyzed via SPSS version 25 and binary logistic regression was used to determine the association. Finally, the results were deemed significant when the P-value was <0.05. RESULTS: Out of 491 mothers, only 109 (22.2%) of respondents were well prepared for birth and its complications. Having a history of stillbirth 3.646 (AOR: 95% CI: 1.72, 5.65), being informed the term BP/CR from their friends 3.05 (AOR: 95% CI: 1.04, 8.89), being aware of pregnancy danger signs 2.82(AOR: 95% CI: 1.21,6.57) and being aware of two out of four postpartum danger signs 3.571(AOR: 95% CI: 1.511,8.443) were found to be important predictors of birth preparedness and its complication practice. In addition, having infants birth order between 4–6 and being a housewife mother by occupation were considered as protective factors. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: The status of birth preparedness and its complication was found to be low in this study and, therefore, intensive awareness-raising and promotion activities shall be implemented at the community and health facility level.