Birth preparedness as a precursor to reduce maternal morbidity and mortality among pregnant mothers in Medebay Zana District, Northern Ethiopia

Abstract Objectives Most maternal and newborn deaths occur during labour and delivery. Birth preparedness and complication readiness practice getting early services when problems may arise is the most achievable components of safe motherhood strategies. However, there is limited evidence found particularly in the study area. Thus, a community based cross-sectional study was conducted from May 17 to June 30, 2017, to assess birth preparedness practice and associated factors among pregnant women in Medebay Zana district in Northern Ethiopia. Result The finding showed that about 176 (32%) of the respondents were prepared for birth based on the criteria set in this study. Preparation for birth was higher among married women (AOR = 4.14, 95% CI (1.47–11.64)), among governmental employed women (AOR = 2.69, 95% CI (1.19–6.05)), those who attend antenatal care service (AOR, 0.11, 95% CI (0.05–0.22)), planned pregnancy (AOR = 0.06, 95% CI (0.03–0.15), those who had saving habit (AOR = 15.81, 95% CI (7.20–34.72), duration of pregnancy near to 9 month (AOR = 5.86, 95% CI (3.25–10.58). Preparation for birth was lower among illiterate mothers (AOR = 0.15, 95% CI (0.07–0.30), among mothers who attended primary education (AOR = 0.01, 95% CI (0.01–0.04)). The prevalence of birth preparedness practice in the study area was low. Community-based health education about preparation for birth is important.