Preparation for birth and complication readiness: rural-urban disparities among pregnant women in communities in Enugu State, Nigeria

INTRODUCTION: birth preparedness and complication readiness (BPCR) is a key component of safe motherhood programs. The study aimed to determine the rural-urban disparities in BPCR and its predictors among pregnant women. METHODS: this study was a community-based comparative cross-sectional study carried out among 366 pregnant women living in rural and urban areas in Enugu State, Nigeria. A multistage sampling technique was used to select the participants. Data analysis was carried out using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics at a significant level of p < 0.05. RESULTS: among the respondents, 213 (58.2%) had good knowledge of the components of BPCR. However, a significantly higher proportion of those in urban areas had better knowledge of these components than those in rural areas (p=0.01). Generally, there was a poor practice of BPCR among both groups of respondents. However, between both groups of respondents, good practice of BPCR was statistically significantly higher in respondents from urban areas 69 (37.7%) than those in rural areas 47 (25.7%) (X(2)=6.108, p=0.013). Several factors were found to be associated with good practice of BPCR among the respondents however, the only predictor of good practice of BPCR among the urban respondents was being aware of free maternal and child health services in the State while for the rural respondents, it was having an assisted delivery in the last stages of pregnancy. CONCLUSION: there are rural-urban disparities in BPCR. Most pregnant women are knowledgeable about its components but the majority do not practice it appropriately.