Unveiling the landscape of birth preparedness and complication readiness among IDPs and host communities in Yobe State – a qualitative study

Abstract

Background: Background: Worldwide, women continue to die from preventable obstetric complications largely attributed to the three delays. Birth Preparedness and Complication Readiness (BP/CR) is among the important strategies that address the delays. The activities of Boko Haram insurgents have left millions of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) devastated. Recently, because of the relative peace, some IDPs have been resettled back to their former place of residence; however, some are still living with host communities in areas with relative peace. Women among IDPs and host communities may face challenges in accessing healthcare services, compounded by factors like poverty, negative attitudes, and insecurity. Studying these barriers allows for targeted interventions to address them. Objective(s): Therefore, this study is set to assess the contextual barriers to knowledge, attitude, and practice of BP/CR among women in IDPs and host communities in Bade LGA of Yobe State. Methodology: This study adopts a qualitative phenomenological research design, and it is a component of a comprehensive dissertation submitted for the fellowship award in the Faculty of Community Health at the West African College of Physicians. Data was collected from 26th November 2021 to 16th December 2021. A purposive sampling technique was employed to select the respondents for the research. Recording devices, focus group discussion and interview guides were used to collect qualitative data. Data was analysed using NVivo version 11. Results: Most of the respondents had a poor understanding but a positive attitude towards BP/CR. Practice of BP/CR was commoner among wealthier members. Barriers to BP/CR included the three delays, poverty, ignorance, and unemployment. Conclusion: The study identified poor understanding, positive attitude, and several barriers to BP/CR. Targeted Knowledge Dissemination, Addressing Disparities, and Accessibility were the key recommendations.