Birth preparedness, complication readiness and associated factors among pregnant women seeking antenatal care at a Medical Officer of Health (MOH) area in Sri Lanka

Obstetric emergencies need prior preparation. ‘Birth Preparedness and Complication Readiness’ (BPCR) is a concept that promotes timely maternal care (WHO 2006). This descriptive cross-sectional study assessed BPCR and associated factors among a random sample of 280 pregnant women attending antenatal clinics (ANC) in MOH area Padukka in 2014. Data were collected using a pre-tested interviewer administered questionnaire. Response rate was 95.9% (n=269). Satisfactory BPCR was defined: accomplished ≥6 of 8 components in the BPCR plan. Pregnancy was planned by 84.0 % (n=226), 81.0% (n=218) registered with Public Health Midwife (PHM) ≤8 weeks, 58.4% (n=157) had attended ≥5 ANCs, 10.8% (n= 29) had attended all ante-natal classes, 75.8% (n=204) had discussed BPCR plan with health-care provider, 69.5% (n=187) had discussed with spouse, 60.2% (n=162) had satisfactory knowledge on pregnancy danger signs, 75.0% (n=207) had favourable attitudes on BPCR and 68.6% (n=185) had favourable perceptions on BPCR services. Of them 86.2% (n=232) had satisfactory BPCR, which was significantly associated with planned pregnancy (p<0.0001), registration ≤8 weeks (p<0.002), ≥5 ANCs (p<0.01), ≥1 antenatal classes (p<0.0001), discussing with healthcare provider (P<0.0001), discussing the BPCR plan with the spouse (p<0.0026), having satisfactory knowledge on pregnancy and child birth related danger signs (p<0.0002) and having favourable attitudes/perceptions (P< 0.0001). A high proportion of pregnant women had accomplished a satisfactory BPCR but attitudes and perceptions on BPCR services needs to be improved.