Birth Preparedness And Complication Readiness (BPACR) among postpartum mothers in a rural medical college of Haryana

Abstract

Introduction To make motherhood safe and joyful for the mother and baby, Birth preparedness and complication readiness (BPACR) is a globally accepted strategy. BPACR encourages pregnant women, their families, and communities to effectively plan for births and deal with emergencies, if they occur. BPACR improves preventive behaviours, improves knowledge of mothers about danger signs, and leads to improvement in care-seeking during obstetric emergencies. Objectives The study was undertaken to assess the status and determinants of BPACR among the women who had experienced motherhood recently. Methodology This cross-sectional study was carried out among recently delivered 141 postpartum mothers and admitted in our hospital during March 2023 to June 2023. A semi-structured interview schedule was used for data collection. Results Mean age of study participants were 25.64±3.85 years. BPACR index among 51.5% of study subjects ranged between 1-4 while for 48.9% of candidates it varied from 5-8. There was a significant association between educational status and occupation of study participants, education and occupation of spouse, socio-economic status of family, number of ANC visits, Td vaccination, IFA intake with BPACR status of study participants (p value <0.005). Conclusion It may be concluded that there is a need of creating awareness regarding birth preparedness and complication readiness. Improving the educational status of mothers and their spouses and ensuring adequate antenatal care visits will eventually help in ensuring fruitful pregnancy outcomes.

Keywords

• BPACR, complications, maternal mortality