Knowledge of Obstetric Danger Signs and Birth Preparedness and Complications Readiness among Mobile Pokot Nomadic Pastoralists’ Pregnant Women in Tiaty Sub-County, Baringo County-Kenya

Abstract

Problem: Maternal mortality in Kenya remains unacceptably high. Mobile pastoralist communities, Pokot community included take the greatest burden of these maternal deaths. Background: Knowledge of obstetric danger signs is important for the prevention of pregnancy and birth complications as it influences pregnant women to prepare for birth and complications. Aim: To assess the level of knowledge of obstetrics danger signs and their effect on Birth Preparedness and complications Readiness among mobile Pokot nomadic pastoralists in Kenya. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 275 Pokot nomadic pastoralists’ pregnant women using a multistage sampling technique. Chi-square (X2) was used to test the association between categorical variables and a P-value of <0.05 was considered significant. Findings: Most of the women had high knowledge of obstetric danger signs. However, the level of Birth Preparedness and complication readiness was low. Discussion: Knowledge of obstetric danger signs and birth preparedness and complication readiness remains a key subject in the fight against maternal mortality especially in pastoralists and unsettled communities where services are unpredictable and disrupted by frequent movements. Conclusion: Maternal mortality, which remains a major reproductive health concern in Kenya may be reduced through the government and other stakeholders' deliberate delivery of quality antenatal care targeting mobile Pokot and other pastoralists living in Kenya.