A Comparison of Birth Preparedness and Complication Readiness between Internally Displaced Women and Women of Host Communities in Yobe State, Northeast, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Adequate birth preparedness and complication readiness (BPCR) among pregnant women can reduce decision-making delays, increase skilled birth service use and prevent maternal and neonatal complications. This study compares BPCR between women displaced by insurgency and women of host communities in Northeast, Nigeria.

Methods: A cross-sectional study conducted in Yobe in November 2021 involved 946 women (IDPs and host) selected through multistage sampling. Data were collected via an interviewer-administered ODK-based questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS v20.0. Chi-square and logistic regression analyses assessed associations between sociodemographic factors and BPCR knowledge, attitudes, and practice at a significance level of p ≤0.05.

Result: Most respondents were aged 25–29 years (mean - 29.5 (±7.3) for IDPs and 29.0 (±6.8) for hosts). While BPCR awareness was high (hosts: 84.1%, IDPs: 82.9%), knowledge was poor in both groups (hosts: 14.8%, IDPs: 13.1%). Factors associated with BPCR knowledge included education, ANC attendance, income source, and husband’s occupation. Among IDPs, having a source of income significantly predicted better knowledge (AOR = 3.3). In host communities, husbands’ education and occupation were significant predictors (AOR = 9.9 and AOR = 2.5, respectively). Positive attitudes toward BPCR were common in both groups (hosts: 86.7%, IDPs: 86.9%). In IDPs, ANC attendance and knowledge predicted positive attitudes (AOR = 3.36 and AOR = 8.22). Among hosts, husband’s education, occupation, and knowledge of danger signs predicted positive attitudes (AOR = 3.81, 3.72, and 3.72, respectively). Conclusion: Despite awareness and positive attitudes, BPCR knowledge and practice are low. Targeted education and enhanced ANC services are crucial to promote BPCR, especially among vulnerable IDP populations.