Abstract:
Background Birth preparedness and complication readiness (BP/CR) is the strategy to enhance timely use of skilled care in childbirth. Delivery assisted by Skilled Birth Attendant (SBA) is the single most important intervention to prevent maternal mortality. Cambodia is one of the success countries to reduce maternal mortality ratio (MMR), but further reduction is required to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. Since little is known about BP/CR in Cambodia, this study aimed to assess the level of knowledge, attitudes and BP/CR and the associations between knowledge, attitudes and BP/CR. Methods A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among women who have delivered within last 12 months prior to the survey in March to April 2016 at Svay Chrum district, Svay Ring Province, Cambodia. Face-to-face interviews were conducted using a structured questionnaire by the Maternal Neonatal Program of Johns Hopkins Bloomberg University. Factors related to BP/CR were analyzed by multiple liner regression models at 95% confidence level. Results Among 250 respondents, 98% of women had delivery at health facility assisted by SBA while only one woman gave birth at home and four on the way to facility assisted by unskilled attendant. 92% of women were classified into low level of knowledge on BP/CR. Severe vaginal bleeding was the most common danger sign and saving money was the most common birth preparedness, answered correctly. 70% of respondents were classified into neutral level of attitude towards BP/CR. 60% of women were classified into moderate level of birth preparedness and complication readiness. Positive associations between occupation, family wealth, knowledge on danger signs, number of ANC visit, history of abortion, beneficiaries of health financing schemes and negative associations between parity and BP/CR were found. Family wealth tends to be the most important variable for BP/CR, followed by parity, knowledge on danger signs and history of abortion. Conclusion This study found low level of knowledge, neutral level of attitude and moderate level of BP/CR. Family wealth, parity, knowledge on danger signs and history of abortion were the significant predictors of BP/CR. In order to enhance BP/CR, it is important to focus on the poor, women with lesser parity and history of abortion by reconsidering the impact of ANC education and strengthening family involvement in the community. Programs and policies need to be special focused on the poor women to ensure the new global priority, Universal Health Coverage.
