KNOWLEDGE OF BIRTH PREPAREDNESS AND COMPLICATION READINESS AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN ATTENDING ANTENATAL IN MADONNA UNIVERSITY TEACHING HOSPITAL ELELE, RIVERS STATE.

There is a corresponding increase in the rate of mortality and morbidity among pregnant women in the developing countries including in Nigeria with the global trend in women reproductive health. This study was aimed to assess the level of knowledge of birth preparedness and complication readiness among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic in Madonna University Teaching Hospital, Elele, Rivers State. The study adopted a cross sectional descriptive design. The population of the study was 103 pregnant women. The sample was calculated using Taro-Yamane simplified formula for finite population giving a sample of 82 pregnant women. The instrument for the data collection was questionnaire, the reliability of the instrument was done using test retest method and a reliability co-efficient of 0.95 was obtained. The study revealed that more than 50% of the pregnant women gad good knowledge of birth preparedness and complication readiness. Some of the factors limiting the knowledge of birth preparedness among pregnant women were socio-demographic background, individual perception, lack of education and number of children. Measures like self or spouse employment, knowledge of danger signs of labour and delivery and antenatal visits could help promote the knowledge of birth preparedness and complication readiness among pregnant women. Most pregnant women have good knowledge of birth preparedness and complication readiness. It was recommended that there is need for Non-Government Organization and government to be focus on improving access to cheaper medical services for majority of low income earners in rural communities. Word count: 250