Birth Preparedness and Complication Readiness Among Pregnant Women in Tamale West Hospital

Abstract

Every day, about 830 women die from maternal causes, mostly in low- and middle-income countries. Delays in receiving care are linked to poor planning for skilled birth attendance and emergency response. While birth preparedness and complication readiness (BPCR) are necessary for maternal and child health, their prevalence and influencing factors remain poorly understood in resource-limited rural Northern Ghana. This study sought to fill the gap by exploring birth preparedness and complication readiness among pregnant women in Tamale West Hospital. This study employed an exploratory descriptive study design with a qualitative research approach to gather detailed information and perspectives on birth preparedness and complication readiness among sixteen (16) pregnant women accessing antenatal care at Tamale West Hospital. A semi-structured interview guide was used during in-depth interviews to collect data. The interviews were audiotaped with permission from participants and transcribed. Data analysis was done using the thematic analysis approach. This study found that most participants understood BPCR as preparing for childbirth and emergencies, including transport and necessary items. Some traditional beliefs, notably restrictions on certain foods or the timing of buying baby clothes, conflicted with modern healthcare advice, affecting their readiness. Cultural practices shaped participants' attitudes toward childbirth, with beliefs about keeping pregnancy secret, avoiding certain foods, and adhering to rituals like home delivery. Despite this, most participants preferred modern scientific healthcare methods over traditional practices, recognizing the expertise of healthcare professionals. The study highlights the complex relationship between healthcare access, cultural practices, partner involvement, and community support in BPCR. While participants recognized BPCR's importance, traditional beliefs sometimes conflicted with modern healthcare advice, affecting preparedness. Culturally sensitive engagement by healthcare providers is very important to addressing misconceptions while respecting traditions, promoting timely and effective healthcare-seeking behaviors.