The Role of Group Antenatal Care in Reducing Maternal Morbidity and Mortality Rate Among Pregnant Mothers Attending Primary Health Care Facilities: A Case Study of Angwan Waje PHCC in Keffi LGA of Nasarawa State, Nigeria

Abstract

The increasing rates of maternal morbidity and mortality has reached an alarming situation despite numerous antenatal care attendances by the pregnant mothers before the end of their pregnancy period. This tragedy posed questions on the authenticity and quality of ante-natal care services provided to pregnant mothers at the various primary health care facilities in the LGA. Earlier, Ante Natal Care services flow declined due to poor access, attitude of services providers and traditional belief. The main objective of this study is to examine the role played by the group antenatal care services in participatory learning session that led to the reduction in maternal morbidity and mortality rates. The study was conducted on 450 pregnant mothers attending primary health care facility Angwan Waje with catchment area population of 50, 180 people that rally round 7 settlements with annual target population of 2,158 as pregnant mothers. The method used during the study was cross sectional study design with mixed of both qualitative and quantitative data collection methods using simple random sampling on pre - tested questionnaire. Information generated from the data collection were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) 20.0 software to ascertain results for better interpretation and presentation. Additionally, a focused group discussions and key informant interviews were held with the health care providers including the ante-natal care focal person and community representatives on their experiences and insight in Group ante natal care services. Keywords: Group Ante natal Care, Primary Health Care Facility, Health Care Providers.