Factors influencing utilization of birth preparedness and complication readness among antenatal women in Monze

Introduction:Birth preparedness is when a woman and her family prepare for normal birth and for complications that may arise during pregnancy and childbirth (MoH, 2004). Birth Preparedness and Complication readiness (BPCR) strategy was introduced in order to help pregnant women receive care from a skilled provider during childbirth and prevent complications (Starrs, 1997) as many women are still dying during childbirth. For instance, globally, 287,000 women die as a result of complications of pregnancy and childbirth (WHO, 2012). In Zambia, Maternal mortality rate is still very high and is estimated at 398 per 100,000 live births. Therefore if pregnant women were utilizing birth preparedness and complication readiness strategy, maternal and neonatal death would reduce. In developed countries where birth preparedness and complication readiness strategy has been used for many years, maternal mortality rate has reduced to16 deaths per 100,000 live births compared to 210/100,000 in developing countries (WHO, 2012).
Methodology:A descriptive cross-sectional study design was used. The study was conducted in Monze district at Keemba zonal health center, Manungu and Monze urban clinic. Sample was systematically selected and a face to face semi-structured interview schedule was used to collect data. Analysis of data was done using Statistical Package in Social Science (SPSS) version 20.0 software. The confidence interval was set at 95%. A 5% level of significancy (p value 0.05 or less) was considered statistically significant.The Chi-square test within the SPSS 20 was used to test for associations between independent and dependant variables.
Results:The study revealed that the majority 196 (95.6%) of respondents knew the meaning of birth preparedness and complication readiness during pregnancy and child birth. The study also showed that 143(69.8%) of respondents utilized birth preparedness and complication readiness. Factors which influenced utilization of birth preparedness and complication readiness were knowledge, cultural beliefs and distance to health facilities