Published Article

                                                                                                    ABSTRACT

The study investigated socio demographic factors and level of birth preparedness among pregnant women attending the primary health center in Ikot Ebok, Eket. Guided by two research questions and null hypotheses, a descriptive cross sectional research design was employed. A sample size of 179 was obtained from 324 pregnant women using Taro Yamane formula. Structured questionnaires collected data on socio demographic characteristics, economic factors, cultural beliefs, healthcare system factors, birth preparedness practices, and maternal health services utilization. Data analysis i nvolved descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations) and inferential statistics (one sample t tests and chi square tests). The study found a high level of birth preparedness, with significant influences from socio demog raphic factors, knowledge of potential complications, and antenatal care attendance. The implications for nursing include enhanced antenatal education, tailored interventions, resource allocation, policy development, and professional development. Limitatio ns include sample size, self reported data, cross sectional design, and cultural specificity. The findings revealed that the level of birth preparedness among pregnant women attending the Primary Health Center in Ikot Ebok, Eke was high high. It also showed that socio-demographic factors has a significant influence on birth preparedness among pregnant women in the study area. Recommendations emphasize enhancing antenatal education programs focusing on birth preparedness and complication readiness to maintain and improve current levels of awareness and preparedness.

KEYWORDS: Birth Preparedness, Child’s Birth, Pregnant Women, Ikot Ebok, Primary Health Care and Eket