Level of Birth Preparedness among Pregnant Women in Allied Hospitals of RMU, Rawalpindi
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Keywords

antenatal care
maternal mortality rate
birth preparedness
birth awareness

How to Cite

1.
Khalid F, Qasim Abbas M, Tanvir A, Sarwar A, Iqbal M, Kulsoom A. Level of Birth Preparedness among Pregnant Women in Allied Hospitals of RMU, Rawalpindi. sjrmu [Internet]. 2024 Aug. 19 [cited 2025 Apr. 4];28(S-1):33-40. Available from: https://supp.journalrmc.com/index.php/public/article/view/176

Abstract

Introduction: Birth preparedness is a comprehensive approach to timely utilization of skilled maternal and neonatal healthcare, addressing high maternal mortality rates in developing countries. Increased awareness about birth preparedness can facilitate early decision-making, ensure safe pregnancies, and minimize delivery-related complications.

Objectives: To assess the level of birth preparedness among pregnant women in allied hospitals of RMU and to identify various factors associated with birth preparedness.

Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 270 third-trimester pregnant women from allied hospitals of RMU. Participants completed a self-structured questionnaire. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 25, with frequencies and percentages calculated for categorical variables. The Chi-square test determined associations between birth preparedness and numerous factors, with a significance level set at p < 0.05.

Results: Of the total 270 pregnant women, 40.7% were found to be prepared for birth. The factors significantly associated with birth preparedness were the mother's education (p=0.045), the husband's occupational status (p=0.012), family income (p=0.000), increasing age of the women (p=0.004), and the last place of childbirth (p=0.016).

Conclusions: The level of birth preparedness in Rawalpindi, Punjab, stands at 40.7%. To enhance maternal and neonatal outcomes, it is essential to bolster counseling on the benefits of birth preparedness. This can be achieved through awareness programs led by community health workers.

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