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Birth preparedness and complication readiness among women in Mpwapwa district, Tanzania
URASSA, DAVID P.; PEMBE, ANDREA B. & MGANGA, FATUMA
Abstract
Avoidable mortality and morbidity remains a formidable challenge in many developing
countries like Tanzania. Birth preparedness and complication readiness by mothers are critical in
reducing morbidities and mortalities due to these complications. The aim of this study was to assess
knowledge and practices with respect to birth preparedness and complication readiness among
women in Mpwapwa district in Tanzania. A total of 600 women who became pregnant and or gave
birth two years preceding the survey were interviewed. Among them 587 (97.8%) attended antenatal
clinic (ANC) at least once during their last pregnancy. Two thirds of those who attended ANC made
four or more visits. The median gestation age at booking for antenatal care was 16 weeks. However,
73.9% the women booked after 16 weeks of gestation. Two thirds of the women were 20-34years old
and had at least primary education level. Three hundred and forty six (57.7%) had parity between
two and four. Only 14.8% of the women knew three or more obstetric danger signs. The obstetric
danger signs most commonly known included vaginal bleeding during pregnancy (19%), foul
smelling vaginal discharge (15%) and baby stops moving (14.3%). The majority (86.2%) of the women
had decisions made on place of delivery, a person to make final decision, a person to assist during
delivery, someone to take care of the family and a person to escort her to health facility. Majority
(68.1%) of the women planned to be delivered by skilled attendant. One third of the women planned
to deliver at home in the absence of a skilled birth attendant. In the bivariate analysis, age of the
woman, education, marital status, number of ANC visits and knowing ≥3 obstetric danger signs were
associated with birth preparedness and complication readiness. In multivariate logistic regression
analysis, women with primary education and above were twice more likely to be prepared and ready
for birth and complications. Women who knew ≥3 obstetric danger signs were 3 times more likely to
be prepared for birth and complications. In conclusion, women with higher level of education and
those who knew obstetric complications were more prepared for birth and complications. Further
studies are recommended to find out why women do not prepare for birth or complications especially
that need blood transfusion.
Keywords
Birth preparedness; Complication readiness; rural district; Tanzania
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