knowledge of obstetric danger signs and birth preparedness practices among women in rural Uganda

Abstract

Background:Improving knowledge of obstetric danger signs and promoting birth preparedness practices arestrategies aimed at enhancing utilization of skilled care in low-income countries. The aim of the study was to explore the association between knowledge of obstetric danger signs and birth preparedness among recentlydelivered women in south-western Uganda.Methods:The study included 764 recently delivered women from 112 villages in Mbarara district. Communitysurvey methods were used and 764 recently delivered women from 112 villages in Mbarara district were includedin study. Interviewer administered questionnaire were used to collect data. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to explore the relationship between knowledge of key danger signs and birth preparedness. Results:Fifty two percent of women knew at least one key danger sign during pregnancy, 72% during deliveryand 72% during postpartum. Only 19% had knowledge of 3 or more key danger signs during the three periods. Ofthe four birth preparedness practices; 91% had saved money, 71% had bought birth materials, 61% identified ahealth professional and 61% identified means of transport. Overall 35% of the respondents were birth prepared.The relationship between knowledge of at least one key danger sign during pregnancy or during postpartum and birth preparedness showed statistical significance which persisted after adjusting for probable confounders (OR 1.8,95% CI: 1.2-2.6) and (OR 1.9, 95% CI: 1.2-3.0) respectively. Young age and high levels of education had synergisticeffect on the relationship between knowledge and birth preparedness. The associations between knowledge of atleast one key danger sign during childbirth or knowledge that prolonged labour was a key danger sign and birth preparedness were not statistically significant. Conclusions:The prevalence of recently delivered women who had knowledge of key danger signs or those who were birth prepared was very low. Since the majority of women attend antenatal care sessions, the quality andmethods of delivery of antenatal care education require review so as to improve its effectiveness. Universal primary and secondary education programmes ought to be promoted so as to enhance the impact of knowledge of keydanger signs on birth preparedness practices.