Abstract:
Introduction: Birth preparedness and complication readiness (BPCR) strategy is a key to reducing delays of appropriate care for
maternal and child health. Women’s autonomy in the decision of receiving care during pregnancy is essential for improvements in
maternal health. However, there is a scarcity of information on the effect of intimate partner violence (IPV) on BPCR in Southwest
Ethiopia.
Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted among 688 women (340: women who had experienced IPV and 348:
women who had not experienced IPV). A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select study participants. Bivariate and
multivariable logistic regression models were done. A P-value <0.05 at a 95% confidence interval was used to declare a statistical
significance.
Results: BPCR among IPV women was 30.59%, lower compared with 46.84% women who did not experience IPV. Higher education
[AOR=4.00 (1.20, 13.28)], partner did not drink alcohol [AOR=2.53 (1.34, 4.78)], no childhood violence [AOR=2.70 (1.37, 5.32)],
partner’s pregnancy desire [AOR=3.61 (1.41, 9.21)], and good knowledge of BPCR [AOR=8.59 (3.56, 20.70)] were more likely to
practice BPCR among women who experienced IPV, whereas among women who did not experience IPV, no previous pregnancy
complications [AOR=2.22 (1.08, 4.55)], good knowledge of BPCR [AOR=4.90 (2.59, 9.26)] and pregnancy danger signs [AOR=5.23
(1.47, 18.56)] were more likely practice BPCR.
Conclusion: BPCR among IPV women was lower compared with women who did not experience IPV. Likewise, women’s knowledge of BPCR, obstetric danger signs during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum were lower among women who faced IPV. Therefore,
minimizing women’s IPV help to improve BPCR.
Keywords: birth preparedness, complication readiness, intimate partner violence, Ethiopia
