Birth preparedness among women in Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya

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 cross-sectional 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 care.