Knowledge on Obstetric Emergencies and Birth Preparedness Among Pregnant Adolescents: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Abstract Background Maternal mortality among adolescents remains high, meanwhile, it is an avoidable tragedy which can be prevented by increasing adolescent knowledge of obstetric emergencies and improving birth preparedness. The study aimed to assess pregnant adolescents’ knowledge of obstetric emergencies and their birth preparedness in Techiman Municipality, Ghana. Methods In the facility-based survey, the target population consisted of 3 months and above pregnant adolescents (16–19 years) who resided in the municipality and attended ANC at Holy Family Hospital in Techiman. A consecutive sampling technique was used to select 422 pregnant adolescents for the study with a questionnaire as the instrument for data collection. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 20. Moreover, frequency, percentages, chi-square, and binary logistic regression were applied in the data analysis. Results The results show that the majority of the respondents 233 (55.2%) had heard about obstetric emergencies and most of them 344 (81.5%) were able to notice danger signs in pregnancy. Meanwhile, 68.2% of the respondents were poorly prepared for delivery. Moreover, chi-square, bivariate and multivariate analysis revealed that the age of respondents, educational status, ethnicity, religion, marital status, number of children, and monthly income were statistically significant on knowledge and obstetric emergency preparedness. However, employment status was not statistically significant. Conclusion The study concludes that if pregnant women, especially adolescents, are given in-depth information regarding obstetric emergencies; they will not only be able to notice them but also take actions to deal with them. Moreover, if the adolescents’ educational status, marital status, and monthly income are improved, it will go a long way to increase the knowledge and emergency preparedness among the pregnant adolescent.