BIRTH PREPAREDNESS AND COMPLICATION READINESS AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN IN THE BUILSA NORTH DISTRICT AND THE BUILSA SOUTH DISTRICT

Abstract

The maternal mortality ratio in Ghana is estimated at 319, which is above the global average of 216 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births. Whereas the institutionalmaternalmortalityratiooftheBuilsaNorthis262,thatoftheBuilsa SouthDistrictis79.1maternaldeathsper100,000livebirths.Literaturesuggests that despite the high obstetric disease burden, most pregnant women do not prepare for birth and complications. This cross-sectional study sought to ascertain and compare the level of birth preparedness and complication readiness among pregnant women in the Builsa North District and the Builsa South District, which can be used bythe Ghana Health Service and the Ministry of Health to make informed maternal health improvement decisions. The study used both qualitative and quantitative research methods to collect the data. Primary data was collected through administration of questionnaires, focus group discussions and key informant interviews. Secondary data were obtained through review of both peer-reviewed articles and grey literature. The Johns Hopkins Program for International Education in Gynaecology and Obstetrics model on birth preparedness and complication readiness was adapted to form the theoretical framework. From a sample of 165 pregnant women from each district, the study found that 81.2% of Builsa North District and 49.1% of the Builsa South District were prepared for birth and complications. Pregnant women in the Builsa North District were four times more likely to prepare for birthandcomplicationscomparedtothoseintheBuilsaSouthDistrict.Teaching occupation,gestationalage3-9months,knowledgeofatleastthreedangersigns in pregnancy/labour and having primary, secondary or tertiary education were predictors of birth preparedness and complication readiness. However, second trimesterpregnancy,parity,marriageandfarmer/housewifeoccupationwerenot associated with birth preparedness and complication readiness. The study attributes the differences in levels of birth preparedness between the districts to thedifferencesinliteracylevels,healthworkerskillmixandinfrastructure.This study recommends that the Ghana Health Service continue to educate pregnant women in the two districts on birth preparedness and complication readiness, prioritising those in the Builsa South District.