Abstract
BackgroundMaternal and infant mortality remains a huge public health problem in developing countries. One of the strategies to minimise the risks of both maternal and infant mortality is access to and utilisation of antenatal care (ANC) services.AimThis study aimed to investigate the accessibility factors that influence the use of ANC services in Mangwe district.MethodsA qualitative approach using explorative design was adopted to target women who have babies under 1 year of age. The study was conducted in Mangwe district, Matabeleland South province, Zimbabwe. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and observations. Data saturation was reached after 15 women who were conveniently sampled were interviewed. Field notes were analysed thematically using Tech’s steps. Lincoln and Guba’s criteria ensured trustworthiness of the study findings.ResultsAccessibility factors such as lack of transport, high transport costs and long distances to health care facilities, health care workers’ attitudes, type and quality of services as well as delays in receiving care influence women’s utilisation of ANC services in Mangwe district, Zimbabwe.ConclusionThe study concluded that women were still facing problems of unavailability of nearby clinics; therefore, it was recommended that the government should avail resources for women to use.RecommendationsMangwe District Health Department should provide mobile clinics rendering ANC services in distant rural areas.
Highlights
Maternal and infant mortality remains a huge public health problem in developing countries
This study aims to verify these claims by investigating the accessibility factors of antenatal care (ANC) services utilisation in Mangwe district, Zimbabwe
Five themes emerged during data analysis, namely lack of transport, high transport costs for ANC visits, long distance to the health facility, health care workers’ attitudes towards ANC women, type and quality of care rendered and delays in receiving care
Summary
One of the strategies to minimise the risks of both maternal and infant mortality is access to and utilisation of antenatal care (ANC) services endorsed by WHO that recommends a minimum of four focused antenatal check-ups.[1] Proximity is a key factor for access; adequate transport, good roads and communication networks are essential to reach the poor and physically isolated crowds.[2] Access to health services includes gaining entry into the health care system, finding a health care provider with whom the patient can communicate and trust, and accessing a health care location where needed services are provided.[2,3] The benefits of access to health care include overall physical, social and mental wellbeing; prevention of diseases and disability, and detection and treatment of health conditions; prevention of avoidable death; increasing life expectancy and improving quality of life.[4,5]. Maternal and infant mortality remains a huge public health problem in developing countries. One of the strategies to minimise the risks of both maternal and infant mortality is access to and utilisation of antenatal care (ANC) services
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