Birth Preparedness and Complication Readiness Among Teenage Primigravidas in Northern Mindanao, Philippines

Background In the Philippines, research on birth preparedness and complication readiness (BP/CR) among pregnant women is limited. BP/CR is a WHO-recommended strategy that promotes planning for safe childbirth and anticipating emergencies. This is particularly crucial for teenage pregnancies due to the increased risk of maternal and neonatal complications associated thereof. Objective This study aimed to determine the factors influencing BP/CR among teenage primigravida in Iligan City, Philippines. Methods A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2024 to February 2025 across various barangays in Iligan City. Using purposive sampling, 59 respondents were surveyed through structured questionnaires that covered sociodemographic data, knowledge, attitudes, perceptions, and experiences relating to BP/CR and maternal health literacy. Data were analyzed using means and standard deviations, logistic regression, and Firth’s penalized likelihood method in R software, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Results Most teenage primigravida women sought prenatal care and showed basic birth preparedness, but had limited visits and gaps in emergency planning, with financial and transportation issues being key barriers, and maternal health information was mainly from informal sources. BP/CR knowledge was good in 14%, moderate in 47%, and poor in 39% of respondents. Lower BP/CR knowledge was significantly linked to living in urban-fringe areas (p < .001) or outlying areas (p = .014), the second trimester (p = .002) or third trimester (p = .039), being married (p = .011) or cohabiting (p = .005). Furthermore, 64% of participants showed positive attitudes towards BP/CR, while 36% held a negative attitude. Higher monthly income (≥ 9,520 PHP) (p = .022) and Roman Catholic affiliation (p = .027) were factors associated with less favorable attitudes. Conclusion This study highlights the need for enhanced adolescent-friendly health education. Strengthening antenatal health literacy through community-based interventions and stronger engagement from healthcare providers could enhance BP/CR practices among pregnant teenagers.