Practice of Birth Preparedness among Pregnant Women Attending Primary Health Care Centers, Umuahia North LGA

Abstract

Birth preparedness, a proactive approach to safe delivery and emergency readiness, is critical to reducing maternal and neonatal mortality. In Umuahia North LGA, Abia State, where delays in seeking and accessing care contribute significantly to adverse outcomes, this study assessed the knowledge, practices, and influencing factors related to birth preparedness among pregnant women. A cross-sectional descriptive design was employed using a structured questionnaire covering knowledge of birth preparedness, emergency readiness, and socio-demographic and obstetric factors. Given the unknown population size, Cochran’s formula determined a sample size of 384, adjusted to 427 to account for non-response. A convenience sampling method was used across selected primary health care centres during antenatal sessions. Among the 393 valid responses, results showed that 63.4% had good knowledge of birth preparedness, while 52.4% demonstrated good practice. Approximately 57.5% had made emergency plans, yet 42.5% had no emergency arrangements. Key barriers identified included financial constraints (48.6%), lack of awareness (38.4%), and transportation issues (35.6%). Regarding knowledge of birth preparedness, 198 (50.4%) of respondents had heard of it, with health workers (106; 27.0%) and ANC sessions (110; 28.0%) as key sources. However, knowledge of essential components was limited: while 190 (48.3%) recognised the need to save money for delivery, fewer respondents mentioned arranging transport (77; 19.6%), identifying a blood donor (49; 12.5%), or planning for emergencies (35; 8.9%). Thus, from the findings, it was concluded that educational level, antenatal attendance, and parity significantly influenced preparedness. While a fair level of knowledge exists, gaps remain in practice, particularly in emergency planning and resource availability. The study recommends intensified community and facility-based education, improved access to maternal health services, targeted interventions for low-income women, and stakeholder collaboration to enhance maternal preparedness. The findings reveal both progress and persistent gaps in maternal health practices. The study confirms that socioeconomic factors—particularly education and income—play a fundamental role in BPCR practices. Strengthening birth preparedness initiatives is essential for improving maternal and neonatal outcomes in Umuahia North and similar settings.