Birth Preparedness & Complication Readiness Among Pregnant Women in A Rural Area of North Karnataka - A Community - based Cross - sectional Study

Introduction: Globally, approximately 810 women die daily from preventable causes related to pregnancy and childbirth. Birth Preparedness and Complication Readiness improves the use and effectiveness of key maternal and newborn health services, by reducing the phases of delays in receiving these services. This study assessed the knowledge, attitude & practice regarding BPCR among rural antenatal women in Belagavi. Material & Methods: A community - based cross – sectional study was conducted from 1st January to 31st December 2019 among 400 pregnant women in the rural field practice area of a Primary Health Centre, Belagavi. Pre – validated and tested questionnaire from Johns Hopkins Program for International Education in Gynecology and Obstetrics (JHPIEGO) was used for the interview. Data was analyzed using SPSS 25.0 trial version. Results: The BPCR index was 47.1 %. Positive association with being well prepared were found among women from upper and middle socio-economic status, multigravida, those ≥ 34 weeks of gestational age and those who availed their first antenatal care in the first trimester. Conclusion: Nearly three – fourth of the rural pregnant women were well prepared for birth, highlighting the need for continued efforts to enhance BPCR among diverse groups.