Factors influencing antenatal care service attendance among women in the reproductive age 15-49 years in Acholi Sub Region

Abstract

Introduction: This study aimed at understanding and assessing the different socio-economic, maternal and health related factors influencing antenatal care attendance among women aged 1549 years in Acholi subregion. Methods: The study used the 2016-UDHS female dataset for women aged 15-49 years. A cross sectional study was conducted from 626 pregnant women who were attending antenatal care services from Acholi subregion hospitals to whom a woman’s questionnaire was administered. Frequencies and p-values were used to determine the relationship between number of antenatal visits and socio- economic, maternal and health related factors. Results: according to the results of the study, approximately (60%) of the respondents attended to at least four ANC visits while (40%) attended less than four times as recommended by the health standards. Women who were in the rich quintile contributed to (75%) of attending antenatal care service more than four times. Conclusion: in Acholi subregion, age of the respondent, education level, and wealth status were the most important determinants that influence the attendance of antenatal care service among the women in the reproductive age 15-49 years. However, the study recommends strengthening of the provision of information, encouraging women to participate in the labour market and communication on availability and access to antenatal care services as an intervention to improve ANC seeking behaviors of the mothers. There should be adoption of mobile free health services. Women should also be encouraged to seek ANC services irrespective of the experience they have in giving birth. This would help them to obtain information regarding pregnancy.