Factors Associated with Good Birth Preparedness and Complication Readiness among Pregnant Women in Malang District, Indonesia

National Research and Innovation Agency, Research Center for Public Health and Nutrition, 16911 Bogor Regency, Indonesia

^* Corresponding author: bett003@brin.go.id

Abstract

Indonesia has a high maternal mortality rate, despite the prevalence of antenatal care and delivery assistance by competent birth attendants. This study aims to identify factors associated with good Birth Preparedness and Complication Readiness (BPACR) among pregnant women in Malang District. An observational study with a cross-sectional design was conducted, involving 60 pregnant women. Factors examined include socioeconomics, cultural beliefs, obstetric characteristics, and knowledge of BPACR. The participants had a mean age of 26.3 years and a mean gestational age of 26.4 weeks; 51.5% were in their second pregnancy, 53.3% had completed high school or higher education, and 83.3% were housewives. Additionally, 50% reported cultural beliefs or prohibitions against certain activities that could impede labor, while 51.7% adhered to food taboos perceived to affect labor. Of the participants, 91.7% had a Maternal and Child Health (MCH) handbook, 31.7% had read the entire handbook, and 21.7% were aware of at least two danger signs during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. Good BPACR was defined as meeting at least three of four criteria, namely identifying a competent birth attendant, choosing a health facility for delivery, saving funds, and arranging transport. Reading the entire MCH handbook (aOR: 7.225) and holding certain cultural beliefs or prohibitions (aOR: 6.359) were significantly associated with good BPACR. These beliefs reflect a positive attitude toward recognizing obstetric danger signs.