Abstract

Birth preparedness and complication readiness (BP/CR) strategy encourage women to be informed of danger signs of obstetric complications and emergencies which will help them to recognize problem and reduce the delay on deciding to seek care, making the care-seeking process more efficient. The objective of this study was to assess the knowledge regarding birth preparedness and complication readiness and its effect on the place of delivery. A descriptive cross sectional study was conducted from November to December, 2012. A total of 93 mothers who gave birth in the last 12 months preceding the survey in Jhorahat VDC of Morang district were interviewed. Data were analyzed using Chi-square test at 0.05 level of significance. Only 45.2% and more than half (58.1%) of the mothers spontaneously mentioned at least three components of BP/CR and three danger signs during pregnancy respectively. Education of mother was significantly associated with knowledge of BP/CR. More than half (58.1%) of the mothers had institutional delivery. Knowledge of BP/CR was associated with place of delivery. Literate mothers were more aware of BP/CR than illiterate. Thus, provision of information, education and communication targeting women, family and the general community on BP/CR are recommended.

Key words: Place of delivery, knowledge of BP/CR, danger signs.