Utilization of antenatal care services among pregnant women in Mubende District

Abstract

Background: In Mubende, for every 100,000 live births, 438 women die before during or after giving birth, whereas for every 1,000 live births, 54 children die before celebrating their first birth day (UBOS, 20II). However, very little is known about the four or more antenatal visits in Mubende district. Therefore, this research aimed at examining the access and utilization of antenatal care services among pregnant women that are available in the Mubende district. Objectives: The specific objectives were; to describe the various types of antenatal care services available in Mubende district, examine the influence of economic factors on the reduced number of antenatal visits among pregnant women, investigate the influence of socio-cultural factors on the utilization of antenatal care services among pregnant women, and to establish possible solutions to the challenges that hinder access and utilization of antenatal care services among pregnant women in Mubende district. Methods: The study adopted a qualitative research approach to interview 20 pregnant mothers between the age of 16 and 49 years. Five key informants were interviewed namely, 3 clinic workers (midwives) and 2 medical personnel at Kiganda Health Centre IV and Mubende Regional Referral Hospital using in-depth interview guides and key informant interview guides. Data was analyzed qualitatively and results presented under subheadings. Findings: The study found out different types of antenatal services provided that included screening, testing, and conferencing and scanning that pregnant women get and the factors that influence uptake of ANC as education level, beliefs and customs, wealth index, age among others. Conclusion and Recommendations: The study recommended that the government should mobilize more resources to train more maternal personnel such as midwives and educating masses on the benefits of antenatal care.