Birth Preparedness among Women in Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya
Loading...
Date
2015
Authors
Gitonga, Eliphas
Keraka, Margaret
Mwaniki, Peter
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
AFRICAN Journal of Midwifery and Women’s Health
Abstract
Background/Aim: In 2005, the sub-county health management team identified a need for information to reduce the lack of
skilled attendance at birth. This study assesses the determinants of birth preparedness among women who had given birth in the
last 2 years in Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya. Methods: Stratified sampling was used to select 345 pregnant women for interview. Systematic sampling was used so that every 14th client attending a maternal/child health clinic in the sampled facilities was interviewed. A descriptive crosssectional survey design was used. A chi-squared test and logistic regression were used to analyse the data Results: Approximately 20% of the interviewed sample were prepared for birth on all six recommended aspects of birth
preparedness. The most planned for aspect of birth was hospital birth expenses (74%), followed by place of birth (69%). The least
prepared for aspect was transport to a health facility (35%). Conclusions: Higher level of education, higher income, salaried
occupation and at least four antenatal care visits all increased the likelihood of being more prepared for birth. A history of stillbirth reduced the likelihood of birth preparedness. It is recommended that the Kenya Ministry of Health improve levels of
birth preparedness through the provision of antenatal car
Description
Research Paper
Keywords
Antenatal care; Birth preparedness
Citation
Gitonga, E., Keraka, M., & Mwaniki, P. (2015). Birth preparedness among women in Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya. African Journal of Midwifery and Women's Health, 9(4), 153-157.