KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICE ON BIRTH PREPAREDINESS AND COMPLICATION READINESS AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN IN SINGIDA URBAN DISTRICT, TANZANIA

Background: Avoidable maternal mortality and morbidity remains a formidable challenge in many developing countries. According to TDHS 2010 the maternal mortality rate is 454 per 100,000 live births. Many of the complications that result to maternal deaths are unpredictable, and their onset can be both sudden and severe. Delays in seeking, reaching and receiving appropriate health care services have been shown to be associated with maternal mortality. The causes of these delays are common and preventable. Birth preparedness and complication readiness in a third world setting where there is prevailing illiteracy, inefficient infrastructure, poor transport system, and unpredictable access to skilled care provider have the potential of reducing the existing high maternal morbidity and mortality rates. Objectives: To assess the knowledge and practice on birth preparedness and complication readiness among pregnant Women attending ANC at Singida Urban district. Methodology: A cross sectional analytical study which was done among 405pregnant mothers. A structured exit questionnaire was used to collect data. SPSS version 16.0 was used to analyze data. Frequency distribution tables were created and logistic regression analysis was done to find the factors associated with BPCR. Results: Majority of responded were aged between 21 and 25 years old. More than 50% had completed primary school and 65% were married. About 25.6% of the respondents reported to have obstetric problems during previous pregnant. The knowledge of danger sign was found in 20% of respondents, and the most common mentioned danger sign was vaginal bleeding. The knowledge of danger sign was found to be strongly associated with previous obstetric problem. (OR 2, 95%CI: 1.1-4.0) Thirty six percent of respondents were found to be knowledgeable on BPCR and the knowledge was strongly associated with the knowledge of danger signs. (OR 4, 95% CI: 2-7.5). Birth