Abstract

Introduction: Birth preparedness and complication readiness is a key component of focused antenatal care used to encourage uptake of maternal and neonatal care services. However, in Ethiopia there is scarcity of comprehensive evidences regarding to its practice and predictors. The aim of this study was to assess the magnitude and predictors of birth preparedness and complication readiness among antenatal care attendants at Butajira General Hospital, Gurage Zone, Southern Ethiopia.

Methods: A facility-based cross-sectional study was employed from April 1-30, 2019. Structured and pretested questionnaires were used to collect data. The study participants were selected by systematic random sampling technique. Epi-data version 3.1 was used to enter data and SPSS version 23.0 was used for analysis. Multivariable logistic regressions analyses were computed. Odds ratio at 95% confidence interval was calculated and statistical significance was considered when p-value was <0.05.

Result: The overall magnitude of birth preparedness and complication readiness was 41.6%. Having a minimum of four antenatal care visits [AOR=3.8, 95% CI (1.5, 9.6)], being aware for a minimum of two obstetrics danger signs during a time of pregnancy and childbirth respectively [AOR=4.37, 95% CI (2.2, 8.67)], [AOR=3, 95% CI (1.45, 6.42)] were independent predictors of birth preparedness and complication readiness.

Conclusion: The magnitude of birth preparedness and complication readiness in the study setting was low. To improve women’s awareness towards birth preparedness and complication readiness stakeholders should give emphasis for antenatal education and counseling, particularly on danger signs of pregnancy and childbirth.

Keywords: Antenatal care; Birth preparedness; Complication readiness; Southern Ethiopia