Abstract:

Background: In sub Saharan Africa maternal mortality is a major public health concern. These maternal deaths are preventable with appropriate management and care. Birth preparedness and complication readiness (BPCR) is a strategy to make prompt decisions to seek care from skilled birth attendants, resulting in reduced maternal and neonatal mortality. The objective of this study was to determine knowledge, attitude and practices about birth preparedness and complication readiness.

Methodology: A prospective descriptive cross-sectional hospital-based study conducted at the antenatal clinics in Kaloleni Health Centre. Respondents were collected via a systematic sampling technique and data was collected using a structured pretested Kiswahili language, interviewer-administered questionnaire.

Results: Majority (70%) had good attitude and more than half (51.7%) of the respondents have good knowledge on birth preparedness and complication readiness. Out of 300 participants, 42% had been prepared for birth and its possible complication.

Conclusion: This study showed that majority of the respondents had a good attitude towards birth preparedness and complication readiness. Despite the respondent’s good knowledge and positive attitude, they still do not have good practice on birth preparedness and complication readiness as less than half of the respondents in the study had no practice of birth preparedness and complication readiness.