Is She Ready and Prepared for Childbirth and Related Complications? A Safer Motherhood Community-based...

Antenatal care (ANC) knowledge, birth preparedness and complication readiness (BPCR) improve timely maternal and neonatal care, reducing labor delays and complications. In Gujarat, despite improved health indicators, awareness of pregnancy danger signs is crucial for further reducing maternal mortality. The study objective was to assess pregnant women's knowledge of ANC, BPCR, and to analyze socio-demographic factors associated with the BPCR index.

A cross-sectional study (August 2023 to July 2024) surveyed 380 pregnant women from urban and rural antenatal clinics affiliated with a tertiary care hospital. Data were collected through interviews using a validated local-language questionnaire. BPCR was assessed using eight indicators from the Johns Hopkins Program for International Education in Gynaecology and Obstetrics (JHPIEGO) maternal and neonatal health program book. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression estimated odds ratios, with significance set at a 95% confidence interval, P value < 0.05.

Among 380 pregnant women surveyed, 63.7% were well prepared for birth and complications, meeting at least (≥7/8) BPCR indicators, and 54.2% had good ANC knowledge (≥6/8). Socio-demographic factors significantly associated with BPCR outcomes (P value < 0.05) included residence, age, caste, education, occupation, socioeconomic status (SES), family size, and age at marriage and first pregnancy. Notably, unemployed women (aOR: 2.4), illiterate women (aOR: 2.3), illiterate husbands/heads of family (aOR: 3.2), and less ANC knowledge (aOR: 2.1) were strongly linked to BPCR outcomes.

Socio-demographic factors like education, occupation, and knowledge during ANC significantly impact BPCR outcomes, and improving these can enhance practices and outcomes for mothers and newborns.