Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude and Practices on birth preparedness and complication readiness among pregnant women attending antenatal follow up at Mizan-Tepi University Teaching Hospital, Southwest Ethiopia

Abstract Background: Birth preparedness and complication readiness is a strategy to promote the timely used of skilled maternal and neonatal care with a skilled birth attendant, place of delivery and preparation in case of emergency during childbirth. Birth preparedness and complication readiness is the process of preparing for normal birth and anticipating the actions needed in case of an emergency. About 300 million women in developing world affected by short-term or long-term illness, even death by pregnancy and childbirth. This is because insufficiency birth and emergency preparedness.Objective: To assess the knowledge, attitude and practice on birth preparedness and complication readiness among women attending the ANC service at Mizan-Taipei university teaching hospital in Mizan Aman town October 1-29, 2021.Methods: An institutional based cross-sectional study was conducted among pregnant women attending ANC at Mizan-Tepi university teaching hospital in Mizan Aman town from October 1-29,2021. The systematic random sampling technique was used and a total of 157 women was interviewed using both close ended and open ended questions. The data collected was analyzed by SPSS version 23 and was presented using tables, bar graphs and pie chart.Result: Data were obtained from 157 pregnant women yielding, a response rate of 100%. Taking into account that 113 (72%) were knowledgeable about danger sign during pregnancy, 110 (70.1%) during labor and 80 (51%) in the postpartum period, 50 (34.4%) of them were considered as had good practice and the 125 (79.6%) respondent has a favorable attitude towards BP& CR.Conclusion and recommendation: The study identified good comprehensive knowledge and attitude in preparation for birth and its complication in the study area. Community education about preparation for birth and its complication and empowerment of women through the expansion of educational opportunities are recommended for improving birth preparedness and consequently the effects of pregnancy related complications.