Safer motherhood - birth preparedness and complication readiness assessment among pregnant women residing in urban slums of Marathwada region

BACKGROUND: Birth Preparedness and Complication Readiness (BPACR) is the intervention for planning of normal birth and anticipating the actions needed in case of complications. It is a comprehensive strategy to improve the use of skilled providers at birth, the key measure to reduce maternal mortality. OBJECTIVES: To assess the status of BPACR and associated sociodemographic factors among pregnant women in community. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A community-based descriptive longitudinal study undertaken at urban slums among 156 pregnant women with >28 weeks of gestation. They were interviewed for BPACR components. RESULTS: BPACR index was observed to be lower 48.3%. About 88% were aware about any one danger signs of pregnancy. Nearly, 77% of women availed antenatal care service in first trimester. About 85% women identified skilled birth attendant and mode of transport for delivery, 66% women saved money for delivery. Most common danger sign noted was abdominal pain (65.38%). Mother’s education, occupation, parity, and socioeconomic condition were significantly associated with three out of four components of BPACR. CONCLUSION: Low level of BPACR index was attributed to low level of awareness regarding government sponsored schemes and danger signs of pregnancy. This highlights need of more efforts in services provided by health care providers and workers. There is need of intense Information, Education and Communication activity focused on pregnant women and their family members.