Abstract
IntroductionGlobally every year 529,000 maternal deaths occur, 99% of this in developing countries. Uganda has high maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality ratios, typical of many countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Recent findings reveal maternal mortality ratio of 435:100,000 live births and neonatal mortality rate of 29 deaths per 1000 live births in Uganda; these still remain a challenge. Women in rural areas of Uganda are two times less likely to attend ANC than the urban women. Most women in Uganda have registered late ANC attendance, averagely at 5.5 months of pregnancy and do not complete the required four visits. The inadequate utilization of ANC is greatly contributing to persisting high rates of maternal and neonatal mortality in Uganda. This study was set to identify the factors associated with late booking and inadequate utilization of Antenatal Care services in upcountry areas of Uganda.MethodCross-sectional study design with mixed methods of interviewer administered questionnaires, focus group discussions and key informant interviews. Data was entered using Epidata and analyzed using Stata into frequency tables using actual tallies and percentages. Ethical approval was sought from SOM-REC MakCHS under approval number “#REC REF 2012-117” before conducting the study.ResultsA total of four hundred one were enrolled with the majority being in the age group 20 – 24 years (mean age, 25.87 ± 6.26). Health workers played a great role (72.04%), followed by the media (15.46%) and friends (12.50%) in creating awareness about ANC. A significant number of respondents went to TBAs with reasons such as “near and accessible”, “my husband decided”, and “they are the only people I know”. 37.63% of the respondents considered getting an antenatal Card as an importance of ANC. 71 (19.67%) respondents gave a wrong opinion (late) on booking time with reasons like demands at work, no problems during pregnancy, advised by friends, just to get a card, long distance and others didn’t know. Almost half of the respondents never knew the recommended number of visits. Religion, occupation, level of education, and parity were found to influence place of ANC attendance, number of ANC visits and booking time. Husbands were necessary to provide financial support, accompany their wives ANC clinic, and ensure that they complete the visits. But their response was poor due to: fear of routine investigations and constrained economically.ConclusionThe study findings show the actual rural setting of ANC services attendance and utilization. Much sensitization has to be done specifically in these rural areas to empower pregnant women and their husbands as to improve ANC attendance and utilization.
Highlights
Every year 529,000 maternal deaths occur, 99% of this in developing countries
The study findings show the actual rural setting of Antenatal Care (ANC) services attendance and utilization
Countries with good indicators in maternal and infant mortality have pregnancy related complications identified and managed early, according to UBOS the overall one time antenatal attendance in Uganda was found at 94% with women in rural areas being twice less likely to attend ANC than the urban women
Summary
Every year 529,000 maternal deaths occur, 99% of this in developing countries. Women in rural areas of Uganda are two times less likely to attend ANC than the urban women. This study was set to identify the factors associated with late booking and inadequate utilization of Antenatal Care services in upcountry areas of Uganda. Conclusion: The study findings show the actual rural setting of ANC services attendance and utilization. Countries with good indicators in maternal and infant mortality have pregnancy related complications identified and managed early, according to UBOS the overall one time antenatal attendance in Uganda was found at 94% with women in rural areas being twice less likely to attend ANC than the urban women. It was reported that women in Uganda tend to seek antenatal care very late—37% attending for the first time at 6 months or more [2]
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