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 pastoralists communities, Pokot included take the greatest burden of these maternal deaths.Background Knowledge of obstetric danger signs is important for 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 its 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: Majority 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 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 government and other stakeholders deliberate delivery of quality antenatal care targeting mobile Pokot and other pastoralists living in Kenya.

Assessing the Impact of Population Dynamics in Kenya: A Need for Policy Implementation

“…Initiatives to reduce maternal mortality have included the provision of free maternal health care and the deployment of Community Health Workers (CHWs) to promote maternal health services [36]. Despite these efforts, obstacles such as disrespectful maternity care and inadequate birth preparedness continue to impede progress [25,[37][38]. Additionally, while declining mortality rates, especially in maternal and neonatal health, contribute to population growth, it is imperative to balance these improvements with effective family planning measures to ensure sustainable population management [39].…”