Birth Preparedness and Complication Readiness among Pregnant Teenagers Seeking Care in Kayunga District Kiyuba

Abstract

Introduction :Birth preparedness and complication readiness the strategy that promotes timely use of skilled maternal and neonatal care, targets to improve the quality of pregnancy and its outcomes, thus reducing the delays, pregnant teenagers are more at risk and contribute significantly proportion to the maternal mortality ratios globally. Objective: To determine the proportion and factors associated with birth preparedness and complication readiness among pregnant teenagers seeking care in Kayunga district. Methods: Analytic cross-sectional study conducted at 13 selected health facilities. Consecutive sampling enrolled emancipated minors the pregnant teenagers (13-19years) between > 36 weeks of amenorrhea to two days post-partum. Pregnant teenager considered birth prepared complication ready if attained four indices; 2 mandatory signs spontaneous knowledge of danger signs and identified compatible blood donor plus 2 others among; pregnancy registration, place to give birth, identified skilled birth attendant, transport plan and birth companion. Data captured in excel program exported to IBM SPSS 23.0 and finally STATA for analysis. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regressions were done. Results: 377 pregnant teenagers’ 1.59% had birth prepared and complication ready despite 94.16% with a birth plan. Majority 63.4% were 18-19years, 66.0% had no formal /primary education, 79.2% were married and 329 (84.6%) low income with < 500,000UGX monthly expenditure. Occupation of pregnant teenagers and partners were informal and peasantry 316(83.8%) and 335(88.8%) respectively. Only 3.5% had 8 or more ANC contacts 101(27.2%) started antenatal at less or equal to 12 weeks of amenorrhea. Bivariate; primary level education [X2–11.559-0.009], being married [X2 - 11.520 – 0.003], grass thatched house [X2–10.818–0.004]. Plan giving birth at HC IV, III [X2–16.385–0.006] identified a compatible blood donor [X2– 21.597– 0.001]. Spontaneous knowledge of danger signs;[X2–137.564– 0.000]. Conclusion: Only 1.59% pregnant teenagers were birth prepared and complication ready despite 94.16% with a birth plan. Bivariate significant factors were primary level education, being married, grass thatched house, plan to give birth at H/C IV and III, identified compatible blood donor and spontaneous knowledge of danger signs.