Abstract
BACKGROUND: Birth preparedness and complication readiness (BPCR) are essential components of maternal health that encourage proactive planning and decision-making during pregnancy and childbirth. However, there is limited information available regarding the status of BPCR, particularly in our study area. Therefore, this study aimed to assess birth preparedness, complication readiness and associated factors among pregnant women attending public health facilities in the Chelia District. METHODS: A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 410 pregnant women at public health facilities, using a systematic random sampling method. Descriptive statistics, such as frequencies, and summary statistics were calculated for the relevant variables. Bivariate and multivariate binary logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate the relationship between dependent and independent variables. The strength of the association was measured using an OR with a 95% CI. Statistical significance was determined at a p value of 0.05. RESULTS: A total of 406 mothers participated in the study, resulting in a 99% response rate. The study found that 245 (60.3%) respondents were well-prepared for birth and complication readiness. Several factors such as: family size (adjusted odds ratios (AOR)=0.18; 95% CI (0.09 to 0.35)), decision-making with husbands (AOR=2.43, 95% CI (1.44 to 3.32)), parity (AOR=0.32; 95% CI (0.16 to 0.62)), lack of awareness about birth preparedness (AOR=0.30; 95% CI (0.16 to 0.57)), not knowing about the existence of a waiting home (AOR=0.31; 95% CI (0.19 to 0.48)) and not participating in a pregnant women's conference (AOR=0.50; 95% CI (0.32 to 0.79)) were significantly associated with BPCR. CONCLUSION: The study found that the level of BPCR is low in the study area. Family size, decision-making with husbands, awareness of maternity waiting homes, participation in pregnant women's conferences, knowledge about BPCR and parity were significantly associated with BPCR. Therefore, strengthening pregnant women's conferences, encouraging husband involvement in decision-making and ensuring maternity waiting homes at health facilities are important.