Abstract
BackgroundEfforts to improve antenatal care have been heightened to reduce global maternal deaths. In resource-limited settings, community-based interventions play a pivotal role in improving antenatal care services. However, effective implementation of community-based interventions is influenced by prevailing community-related factors. Drawing from the community-based interventions implemented in Iringa Region in Tanzania, this paper underscores how community factors influence implementation and ultimate improvement of antenatal care services.MethodsA qualitative case study design was employed using in-depth interviews, focus group discussions and document reviews. Data was collected in Kilolo and Mufindi districts in Iringa Region where community-based interventions were implemented. A total of one hundred and forty-six (146) participants were involved in the study. Eighty-six (86) participants were interviewed and sixty (n = 60) participated in focus group discussions. Data were analysed thematically and manually by categorizing and coding emerging issues to facilitate analysis and interpretation.ResultsKey factors that influenced the implementation of the community-based interventions were the community readiness to adopt the interventions and effective local administrative systems. Stakeholders’ engagement and local health system support were also pivotal for improving antenatal care services. However, the physical environment, bullying of implementers of interventions and family-related challenges constrained the implementation of the interventions.ConclusionThis study has shown that the performance of community-based interventions is highly influenced by community-related factors. More specifically, inadequate community engagement may lead to community members’ reluctance to adopt implemented interventions. Therefore, in-depth understanding and adequate management of community engagement are important during the planning, development and implementation of community-based interventions.
Highlights
Efforts to improve maternal and child health have been long prioritised at the local and global level
One of the strategies that has been found to be relevant for improving uptake of antenatal care services in resource constrained countries especially in rural communities is implementation of community based initiatives
This study focused on the project that was implemented in Iringa region, Tanzania under the Innovating for Maternal and Child Health in Africa (IMCHA) program, which was implemented through community based initiatives
Summary
Efforts to improve maternal and child health have been long prioritised at the local and global level. This is precipitated by the fact that preventable deaths caused by pregnancy-related complications are still recorded globally. Effective adherence to Antenatal Care (ANC) can potentially reduce adverse effects during pregnancy and after delivery. Efforts to improve antenatal care have been heightened to reduce global maternal deaths. Community-based interventions play a pivotal role in improving antenatal care services. Effective implementation of community-based interventions is influenced by prevailing community-related factors. Drawing from the community-based interventions implemented in Iringa Region in Tanzania, this paper underscores how community factors influence implementation and ultimate improvement of antenatal care services
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