Theatrical Intervention towards ‘Birth Preparedness and Complication Readiness’

Abstract

Nigeria has a high record of mortality rate and this is partially due to complications associated with pregnancy and childbirth. Birth preparedness and complication readiness (BPCR henceforth) was developed as a set of strategic programs designed for intervention at multiple levels to help improve women’s readiness for childbirth and complications that may develop either during pregnancy or delivery. The argument for this medical initiative was founded on the belief that readiness reduces the risks of complications since the danger signs from both mother and the newborn are detected early enough. While this method has advanced considerably and proven effective in many civilized nations, Nigeria as a developing country is yet to successfully key into it. This is not borne out of dearth of data or literature that communicate the effectiveness of BPCR, but rather results from low literacy levels among rural women who often need such intervention. This study employs theatre and dance as interventionist tools to educate women within Ifako-Ijaiye local government area in Lagos State. It adopts the qualitative approach with primary data elicited via participant observation and interviews while secondary data was drawn from library and archival materials. The study shows that theatre and dance are viable means of engaging communities by leveraging their didactic functionality through integrated participatory options.