Community Based Study to Know Awareness of Birth Preparedness, and Complications Readiness Amongst Rural, Tribal Pregnant Women - Abstract
Background: Birth preparedness and complications readiness during pregnancy are meant for safe birth with prevention of maternal, neonatal illnesses, deaths and safe future life of mother and baby. It is essential that women and their families are aware of BPCR and take required timely actions as per the need. Objective: Study was carried out to know about rural, tribal pregnant women’s awareness and attitude towards BPCR Material Methods: Community based study was conducted in tribal communities of 100 villages of rural, hilly forestry Melghat of Amravati, Maharashtra, India. Information was collected from 1040 women of 15-45 years,who had 5 months onwards pregnancy. Results: Of 1040 study subjects, 757 (72.8%) knew that there was something like BPCR, but invery scatchy way, 259 (24.9%) said BPCR meant being aware of safety of baby, 69 (6.6%) said safety of mother, 226 (21.7%) did say to understand about prevention of complications, 135 said (13%) to know about diet and immunization and 68 (6.5%) said to know about hygiene. But 283 (27.2%) were not even aware that there was anything like BPCR. When asked how does BPCR benefit, 373 (35.9%) said anemia is diagnosed and therapy is possible, 242 (23.3%) said knowledge about contraception is gained, 127 (12.2%) did say that it helps in deciding place of birth, 114 (11%) said planning birth companion, 102 (9.8%) for arranging finances for birth and 82 (7.9%) said knowledge of complications helps. Conclusion: Some pregnant women were aware of BPCR, but had very scatchy information, quite a few were not aware. A lot of awareness needs to be created in rural tribal women about BPCR.