Factors Influencing Birth Preparedness in Rapti Municipality of Chitwan, Nepal

Abstract

Introduction. Birth preparedness is crucial for health quality of mother and newborn and acts as a strong contributor in mitigating maternal and newborn mortalities. Different factors are predicted to have an influence upon birth preparedness practice. This paper aims at exploring relationship between various factors and birth preparedness practice. Methods. A cross-sectional study design was used to find out the relationship between various factors and birth preparedness practice. One hundred sixty-five women residing at ward number 1 of Rapti Municipality, Chitwan who delivered in the last twelve months were selected consecutively and interviewed using a semistructured questionnaire. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive and bivariate techniques. Results. Three quarters (75.2%) of the respondents had better birth preparedness, institutional delivery was 63.0%, antenatal care (ANC) visit as per protocol was about 62.0%, and about 90% of the respondents had received counseling during ANC. Age, religion, family types, education, age at marriage, parity, number of children, knowledge on birth preparedness, knowledge on danger sign, place for ANC and delivery, and decision-makers were found to be statistically significant (P value < 0.05) with birth preparedness practice. Conclusion. Better knowledge on birth preparedness led to a better preparedness status. Age, religion, family type, education of women and partners, parity, and number of children were the factors that influence birth preparedness. Counseling during ANC played a significant role in birth preparedness.

Birth preparedness and complication readiness practice and associated factors among pregnant women in Central Ethiopia, 2021: A cross-sectional study

“…Having knowledge of BP/CR increases the practice of BP/CR among pregnant women in this study. This is comparable with the studies from Benchi-Maji [ 43 ], Farta district [ 18 ], and Nepal [ 49 ]. The inference of this finding could be once women become knowledgeable about BP/CR, they are expected to practice the components of BP/CR and ready to act upon it when it occurs [ 43 ].…”

“…In contrast, the level of BP/CR in this study was lower than the study done in Uganda (53.9%) [ 25 ], Nigeria (81.5%) [ 47 ], Tanzania (95%) [ 48 ], Nepal (75.2%) [ 49 ], and Ethiopia (54.7%) [ 50 ]. The difference may attributable to the level of the study settings because those studies were only conducted at referral and teaching level hospitals.…”

“…Also, those pregnant women who decide on obstetric service seeking jointly with their husbands were more likely to practice BP/CR. This is supported by a study from Nepal [ 49 ]. It is critical to actively involve the husband in maternal and newborn health.…”

“…Also, knowledge of danger signs during pregnancy and danger signs of the newborn were significantly associated with BP/CR practice. This is supported by studies from the Agnuak zone, Ethiopia [ 21 ], Tehulederie district, Ethiopia [ 53 ], Rwanda [ 10 ], Ghana [ 45 ], and Nepal [ 49 ]. This might be due to women who did know key obstetric-related danger signs and complications have a higher intention to seek care related to pregnancy and childbirth [ 21 ].…”

Birth preparedness and related factors: a cross-sectional study in Tanzania City area

“…The current study showed similar tendency even in the city area and the needs of education for the family. A study in Nepal supported that joint decision-making with the husband showed better preparedness [ 28 ]. Another research of a qualitative synthesis in 19 countries including both high-income and low/middle-income countries revealed strong influence of familial and sociocultural norms on decision-making; saying that women usually wish to retain a sense of personal achievement and control by being involved in decision-making [ 29 ].…”