A STUDY TO ASSESS THE IMPACT OF COMMUNITY-BASED TRAINING PROGRAM IN IMPROVING KNOWLEDGE REGARDING BIRTH PREPAREDNESS AND COMPLICATION READINESS AMONG MARRIED PEOPLE IN SELECTED AREA OF SUNPURA CIRCLE, UNDER LOHIT DISTRICT, ARUNACHAL PRADESH

Abstract

Introduction: Birth Preparedness and Complication Readiness (BPCR) is an important component of safe motherhood that promotes timely recognition of obstetric danger signs, planned utilization of skilled maternal healthcare, and readiness to respond to complications. In rural and geographically remote communities, limited access to healthcare, financial constraints and sociocultural barriers may contribute to delays in obtaining appropriate care. Aim: This study was carried out to assess the impact of a community-based training program in improving knowledge regarding Birth Preparedness and Complication Readiness among married people in a selected area of Sunpura Circle, Lohit District, Arunachal Pradesh. Methodology: A quantitative research approach with a quasi-experimental pre-test and post-test control-group design was adopted. A total of 114 married people were included, with 57 participants in the experimental group and 57 in the control group. Participants were selected using the opaque sealed envelope method. Data were collected using a demographic profile and a 30-item self-structured BPCR knowledge questionnaire. The experimental group received three interactive community-based training sessions of 30–40 minutes each over one week, while the control group received routine health education. Data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, paired t-test, independent t-test and chi-square test. Result: At baseline, most participants in both groups had average BPCR knowledge. In the experimental group, 70.2% had average knowledge and 28.1% had good knowledge, compared with 70.2% and 24.6%, respectively, in the control group. After intervention, 66.7% of the experimental group achieved good knowledge compared with 28.1% in the control group. The experimental group showed a significant improvement in mean knowledge score from 18.96 ± 3.20 to 21.12 ± 1.80 (paired t = −4.73, p < 0.001), whereas the control group showed no significant change (17.84 ± 3.66 to 17.74 ± 3.93; t = 0.74, p = 0.465). Post-test scores were significantly higher in the experimental group than in the control group (t = 5.91, p < 0.001). Age and socioeconomic status were significantly associated with post-test knowledge. Conclusion: The community-based training program was effective in improving knowledge regarding Birth Preparedness and Complication Readiness among married people in the selected rural area of Sunpura Circle. Community-based maternal health education may be a useful strategy for strengthening preparedness for pregnancy, childbirth and obstetric emergencies.