Birth preparedness, complication readiness and associated factors among pregnant women in Agnuak zone, Southwest Ethiopia: a community based comparative cross-sectional study

Background Birth Preparedness and Complication Readiness interventions have a significant role in the reduction of maternal and neonatal mortality risk. Inadequacy of birth and emergency preparedness were depicted as one of the major reasons for high maternal deaths in sub-Saharan Africa. The main objective of this study was to assess birth preparedness, complication readiness and associated factors among pregnant women. Methods A community based comparative cross-sectional study design was conducted among 411 urban and 209 rural respondents who were selected using multi-stage stratified random sampling technique. Quantitative data were collected by interviewer administered questionnaire while qualitative data were collected from purposely selected 54 members of the community by using guiding checklist and analyzed by thematic areas. Birth preparedness and complication readiness was measured using five birth preparedness and complication readiness items then women who scored at least three were considered as well prepared. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regressions were used to examine the association between independent variables and birth preparedness and complication readiness. The result were presented as Odds Ratio at 95% CI. P < 0.05 ware used to dictate statistical significance. Results A total response rate of the study was 97.3%. The prevalence of birth preparedness and complication readiness was significantly higher among urban respondents ( P = 25.8%; p < 0.05). Factors such as history of obstetric complication, knowledge of key danger signs, having favourable attitude towards birth preparedness and complication readiness, starting antenatal care visit within 3 months age of pregnancy, completing at least four antenatal care visits, urban residence, having occupation of government employee or merchant and being in the higher wealth quintile were variables positively associated with birth preparedness and complication readiness. Conclusions Prevalence of birth preparedness and complication readiness was low in this study, though significantly higher in urban area. Three-fourth of women planned to attend 4+ antenatal care visits indicating opportunity to counsel them on birth preparedness and complication readiness which increases its prevalence. Health workers should counsel every woman on birth preparedness and complication readiness components during her first antenatal care visit and subsequent visits.