Determinants of birth preparedness and complications readiness among mothers attending the antenatal care clinic at Katakwi General Hospital, Eastern Uganda: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Introduction: Birth Preparedness and Complications Readiness (BPCR) is an essential component of antenatal care intended to reduce delays to access skilled care for birth and pregnancy/birth-related complications. Birth preparedness and complications readiness levels have been notably low, especially in sub-Saharan Africa and particularly in Uganda. This study established the level and determinants of birth preparedness and complications´ readiness among mothers attending the antenatal care clinic at Katakwi General Hospital.

Methods: this was a cross-sectional study involving 378 mothers receiving antenatal care at Katakwi General Hospital between March and June 2024. Participants were interviewed using a structured questionnaire to record determinants and practices of birth preparedness and complications´ readiness. Three hundred and sixty-six questionnaires were analyzed, and 12 (3.2%) were dropped due to errors.

Results: the overall level of birth preparedness and complication readiness was unsatisfactory. Antenatal care attendance was associated with better birth preparedness and complications readiness, while urban/semi-urban residence and history of miscarriage conversely had negative influences.

Conclusion: the overall level of birth preparedness and complications´ readiness was unsatisfactory. Antenatal care attendance was associated with better birth preparedness and complications readiness while urban/semi-urban residence and history of miscarriage had negative effects. The health care providers should improve on mothers´ education to increase levels of birth preparedness and complications readiness. Educating/counselling mothers from urban/semi-urban areas and those with histories of miscarriages should be emphasized to encourage and improve practices of birth preparedness and complication readiness.