DOI: 10.21276/sasjm.2018.4.9.3

Pages: 133-138

Although the practice of preparing for childbirth among pregnant women is associated with 24.0% and 53.0% reduction in neonatal and maternal mortality respectively in low income countries, it remains inadequately practiced in low income countries. This study sought to assess the level of birth preparedness among pregnant women at one of the rural hospitals in Uganda. This was a descriptive cross sectional study conducted among 332 pregnant women in first stage of normal labour between April and May 2017 at Kagadi hospital, a rural hospital in Uganda. A pregnant woman was considered prepared for childbirth if she fulfilled at least three of the following five birth preparedness elements; saving money, booking birth companion, identifying home caretaker, having at least six birth items and booking means of transport to the health facility. Data were collected using a researcher administered questionnaire. Nearly all respondents had identified birth companion (93.7%) and prepared at least one birth material (97.3%). However, only about half of respondents had procured at least six birth items (48.2%).