ASSESSING KNOWLEDGE, PRACTICE AND FACTORS INFLUENCING BIRTH PREPAREDNESS AND COMPLICATION READINESS AMONG COUPLES

ASSESSING KNOWLEDGE, PRACTICE AND FACTORS INFLUENCING BIRTH PREPAREDNESS AND COMPLICATION READINESS AMONG COUPLES

ABSTRACT

This study assessed couples’ knowledge, practice, and factors impacting birth preparedness and complication readiness in selected rural communities along the Oji River. The study’s objectives were to determine couples’ knowledge of birth preparedness and complication readiness in the communities studied, couple’s practice of birth preparedness and complication readiness, identify factors that impede couples’ practices of birth preparedness and complication readiness, and establish the relationship between couples’ socioeconomic status and their practice of birth preparedness and complication readiness. The study used a cross-sectional descriptive survey research design in seven towns along the Oji River. The L.G.A. Snowball non-probability sampling technique was employed to pick volunteers for the investigation. Surish and Chandrashekera used their formula to determine a sample of 470. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics with a significance threshold of 0.05. The findings were provided as tables, frequencies, means, and standard deviations. The findings demonstrated that the majority of the couples 120 (78.7%) were educated of birth preparedness and complication readiness; however, knowledge did not translate into practice, as less than 20% practiced the acceptable level of birth preparedness. Financial constraints were a significant factor impeding couples’ practice of birth preparedness and complication readiness. All of the socioeconomic variables evaluated were linked to the couple’s practice of birth preparedness and complication readiness. There was a significant difference (P 0.05) between the couples’ average monthly income, educational qualification, and their practice of birth preparing and complication readiness. In conclusion, despite the fact that the majority of the couple had strong understanding of birth preparedness and complication readiness, information did not translate into practice, as only a few of them practiced at an adequate level of readiness. Based on the findings, recommendations were made that governments should shift their attention on maternal and child care initiatives and improve transit facilities suitable for pregnant women in rural regions in order to improve emergency outcomes.

Chapter one

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

True, the birth of a baby precedes celebration, but it also causes concern because pregnancy and childbirth can be perilous journeys, particularly in developing countries where the risk of a woman dying from pregnancy and related complications is nearly 40 times greater than that of her counterparts in developed countries (Benson & Yinger, 2002).

Maternal death continues to be a public health issue around the world, with an annual global maternal mortality ratio of 525 per 100,000 live births that is still unacceptable (Hogan, 2010).