Abstract:
Background: Majority of maternal deaths occur during labor and delivery. Obstetric related
complications cannot be reliably predicted. Hence, it is necessary to design strategies to
overcome when such problem arise. To this end, one of the strategies is birth preparedness
practice to get early services when problem may arise.
Objective: This study was conducted to assess birth preparedness practice and associated factors
among pregnant women in Ana-lemmo District, Hadiya zone, Southern Ethiopia.
Methods: A community-based cross sectional study design was conducted in March 2015, on
five hundred fifty two (552) pregnant women in Ana-lemmo District. Simple random sampling
method was used to select the required number of sample. Pretested structured questionnaire was
used to collect data using a face-to-face interview. Data was entered into EpiData 3.1 and
Analysis was done using SPSS version 20. Data Analysis statistical tools including descriptive
statistics, bivariate and multiple logistic regression Analysis was done to identify factors
significantly associated with birth preparedness practice.
Result: A total of 552 pregnant women involved in the study. Taking into account identifying
place of delivery, means of transportation and saving money, about 32% of the respondents were
prepared for birth. Preparation for birth was higher among literate mothers (AOR= 0.266, 95%
CI (.113, .629)), married women (AOR= 0.148, 95% CI (.045, .494)), those who attended ANC
sessions ((AOR= 3.081, 95% CI (1.13, 8.38)) and those who are pregnant for the first time.
Conclusion and recommendation: The study revealed low magnitude of birth preparedness practice in the study area. Strengthening ANC sessions and Community education about preparation for birth are important to improve birth preparedness practice.
