Factors that influence the utilization of antenatal services in Uganda: a case study of Kitete Village, Mukono District

Abstract

Antenatal care services (ANC) is an avenue to provide pregnant women with information, treat existing social and medical conditions and screen for risk factors. However, it’s not enough to receive ANC, since majority of the fatal complications occur during or shortly after delivery. It is therefore important that pregnant women have skilled obstetric attendance during delivery. In developed countries, the availability and accessibility to high quality health care by pregnant women has made maternal deaths a rare event, while in the developing countries, maternal deaths rates are highest due to primary flaws in the social, economic and political conditions of these countries (Harrison, 2014). Antenatal care is essential for protecting the health of women and their unborn children (UNICEF, 2020). ANC provides an avenue to avail information to pregnant women. Indeed, lack of education and poor knowledge of maternal health care has contributed to delays in seeking care during pregnancy and childbirth. Poverty is one of the major health determinants. Women from wealthier settings tend to appreciate ANC and its benefits more. (Arthur, 2012)