Abstract

Birth preparedness and complication readiness is a comprehensive strategy aimed in promoting timely access to skilled maternal and neonatal services. It also facilitates active preparation and decision making for delivery by pregnant women. The aim of this study was to assess birth preparedness and complication readiness plans of antenatal clinic attendees in selected public Hospitals of Addis Ababa. Institution based cross-sectional design was used. Single population proportion formula was used to calculate sample size for the study. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis used to identify the association between the dependent and independent variables. This study revealed, among the study participants 72.60% stated that they were prepared for birth and its complication. Birth preparedness and complication readiness was found to have a statistically significant association with family income (AOR= 4.167, 95% CI, (1.092, 15.89) and knowledge about preparation for birth and its complications. In conclusion, majority of the study participants had planned birth preparedness and complication readiness but their preparation was not all rounded. Birth preparedness and complication readiness has statistically significant association with family about preparation for birth and its complication. Community education about birth preparation and its complication readiness; and improvement of the community economic status are recommended.

Key words: Birth preparedness, complication readiness, ante natal clinic attendants, public hospitals, cross sectional study.