Knowledge of obstetric danger signs and birth preparedness practices among women in rural Uganda

Abstract

BackgroundImproving knowledge of obstetric danger signs and promoting birth preparedness practices are strategies aimed at enhancing utilization of skilled care in low-income countries. The aim of the study was to explore the association between knowledge of obstetric danger signs and birth preparedness among recently delivered women in south-western Uganda.MethodsThe study included 764 recently delivered women from 112 villages in Mbarara district. Community survey methods were used and 764 recently delivered women from 112 villages in Mbarara district were included in study. Interviewer administered questionnaire were used to collect data. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to explore the relationship between knowledge of key danger signs and birth preparedness.ResultsFifty two percent of women knew at least one key danger sign during pregnancy, 72% during delivery and 72% during postpartum. Only 19% had knowledge of 3 or more key danger signs during the three periods. Of the four birth preparedness practices; 91% had saved money, 71% had bought birth materials, 61% identified a health professional and 61% identified means of transport. Overall 35% of the respondents were birth prepared. The relationship between knowledge of at least one key danger sign during pregnancy or during postpartum and birth preparedness showed statistical significance which persisted after adjusting for probable confounders (OR 1.8, 95% CI: 1.2-2.6) and (OR 1.9, 95% CI: 1.2-3.0) respectively. Young age and high levels of education had synergistic effect on the relationship between knowledge and birth preparedness. The associations between knowledge of at least one key danger sign during childbirth or knowledge that prolonged labour was a key danger sign and birth preparedness were not statistically significant.ConclusionsThe prevalence of recently delivered women who had knowledge of key danger signs or those who were birth prepared was very low. Since the majority of women attend antenatal care sessions, the quality and methods of delivery of antenatal care education require review so as to improve its effectiveness. Universal primary and secondary education programmes ought to be promoted so as to enhance the impact of knowledge of key danger signs on birth preparedness practices.

Effect of a participatory multisectoral maternal and newborn intervention on birth preparedness and knowledge of maternal and newborn danger signs among women in Eastern Uganda: a quasi-experiment study

“…This is consistent with other studies done in low-income countries [11,12]. This is because educated women can easily understand health messages from different sources [11,12,28].…”

“…The increase in knowledge of at least two newborn danger signs seen in the intervention area is almost six times higher than that found in the southwestern Uganda study [27], while knowledge of at least three obstetric danger signs is almost three times higher than found in the western Uganda study [11]. …”

“…Knowledge of maternal and newborn danger signs is reported to promote active preparation for the delivery of the baby and quicken the decision-making process with regard to accessing appropriate care [11–13]. Hence, birth preparedness interventions help to address key bottlenecks to delays in deciding to seek care and reaching the place of care [6–9].…”

“…In Eastern Uganda, a study revealed that only 25% of respondents had at least three components of the birth plan [10], while in rural communities of Western Uganda, only 19% had knowledge of three or more key danger signs during pregnancy, delivery, and the postpartum period [11]. This indicates a gap that could be addressed to improve maternal and neonatal health outcomes.…”

Assessment of Birth Preparedness and Complication Readiness among Pregnant Mothers Attending Ante Natal Care Service in Mizan-Tepi University Teaching Hospital, South West Ethiopia

“…This finding is not in line with the previous studies done in Tanzania, Uganda and Dire Dawa city in Ethiopia [15,13,20,[23][24][25][26]. This might indicate that delivery charge free service for maternal and child care are being valuable and societies are utilizing well.…”