Knowledge and Attitude Towards Birth Preparedness Among Prime Gravid Mothers Attending Antenatal Clinic at Bwindi Community Hospital

Abstract

In Uganda maternal mortality ratio is high at 336 death per 100000 live birth. The purpose of this study was to assess the level of knowledge and attitude towards birth preparedness among prime gravid mothers attending Antenatal Clinic at BCH. A descriptive cross sectional study design was used and purposive convenient sampling method was used to sample 80 participants. An interviewer administered questionnaire was used to collect data. Data collected was analyzed using Microsoft Excel and presented in tables, graphs, pie charts frequencies and percentages. The results showed that more than a half (56%) of the participants had inadequate knowledge on birth preparedness. Although all participants had attended ANC, a significant number (38.8%) had never heard about birth preparedness. Although more than half (59%) had knowledge on things to be done, only (36.8) and (30.6) knew identification of skilled providers and means of transport respectively. Majority (92%) of participants had inadequate knowledge on additional requirements with no (0%) participant knowing identification of money for emergency as a must requirement for birth preparedness. Much as participants had positive attitude on birth preparedness, majority (87.8%) had negative attitude on identification blood donor when preparing to deliver. In conclusion significant number of participants had never heard about BPP and all participants had no knowledge on saving money for emergency and on additional requirements. Therefore there is need for health workers to provide adequate health education regarding BPP and continuously review it with a mother on each visit.

Keywords: Birth preparedness, Antenatal care, Prime Gravid mothers, Knowledge and Attitude

DOI: 10.7176/JHMN/58-02