Health Services Related Factors Influencing Utilization of Antenatal Care (ANC) Services among Expectant Women in Turkana County, Kenya

Abstract

Antenatal Care (ANC) is a strategic intervention for promoting safe motherhood and reducing maternal mortality and morbidity. A woman dies every minute due to pregnancy-related complications whereas developing countries account for 99% of the global maternal deaths. Low utilization of antenatal care services remains a key indicator of maternal mortality and morbidity in some parts of Kenya like Turkana County where the geographical terrain is complex as well other social and cultural implications that pose significant risks to pregnant women. The purpose of the study was to assess health service-related factors influencing the utilization antenatal care (ANC) services among expectant women in Turkana County, Kenya. The study was carried out in Lodwar County Referral Hospital (LCRH) among pregnant women attending ANC clinic at LCRH and nurses working in the Maternal and Child Health department. Structured questionnaires were used to collect quantitative data involving 297 women and selected using simple random sampling while qualitative data involving 3 nurses working in maternal and child health department was selected purposively and collected using in-depth interviews. Majority of the respondents (48%) were aged 25-35 years, were married (73%), Christians (83%), and had primary education (51%). Quality of services was significantly associated with the utilization of antenatal care services (χ2=12.950; df=6; p=0.044*). There was no significant association between ANC utilization and the means of transport to seek ANC services (χ2=3.411; df=4; p=0.179) and where ANC services are accessed (χ2=1.590; df=4; p=0.452).Women’s attitude towards the ANC services and good communication between the health staff and clients also influence women to seek antenatal services. The study recommends the need to train health workers providing antenatal care services not only on clinical skills but also on client-provider interaction in order to ensure quality and professional delivery of ANC services.