Knowledge, attitude and practice regarding birth preparedness and complication readiness among pregnant women

Every pregnant woman is at risk of developing complications in childbirth which are unpredictable and life threatening, but most of the causes of maternal deaths are preventable. BPACR strategies are important to prevent worsening of the outcome of pregnancy and to achieve safe motherhood.

A descriptive study was done in the OPD of Obstetrics and Gynecology on 360 subjects selected by consecutive sampling technique. The data collection tool assessed demographic and clinical variables and a self-administered structured questionnaire was used to assess knowledge, attitude and practice regarding BPACR. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the study findings.

The study findings revealed that the participants had mean knowledge score of 8.32±2.95, mean attitude score of 11.67±2.88 and mean practice score of 21.79±5.17 regarding BPACR. There was positive correlation between the knowledge, attitude and practice of pregnant women regarding BPACR. There was a statistically significant association between religion, education, type of family and number of antenatal visits with knowledge, attitude and practice regarding BPACR.

Every pregnant woman need to be aware of BPACR. The health care personnel should emphasize on providing information and preparing every pregnant woman for childbirth.