Access and utilization of antenatal care services by pregnant women in Bwijongoro village, Kabwoya subcounty, Kikuube district

Abstract

Introduction: Globally, Antenatal care (ANC) utilization is one of the means for reducing the high maternal mortality rates and also a pillar of maternal and child health programs aimed at preventing child morbidity. This study focused on analyzing the factors influencing the Access and Utilization of Antenatal Care Services by Pregnant Women in Bwijongoro village, Kabwoya Sub County, Kikuube District. The specific objectives were; to examine social, cultural and economic factors influencing ANC access and utilization. Methodology: The study used a cross sectional case study design. A qualitative study approach for data collection was employed, using interviews and Focus Group Discussions. The tools were FGD, KII and IDI guides. Data was analyzed thematically and presented in descriptive form. Findings: Social factors limiting access to ANC services included traditional birth attendants, use of herbal medicines, home responsibilities, negative attitude of health workers, and lack of a supportive spouse/partner. These factors resulted into pregnant women attending less than the required eight ANC visits thereby affecting the health of the new born baby and the pregnant women. Cultural factors were culture of pain suppression, marriage restrictions, myths and misconceptions, culture of shyness, fear of gossip and unplanned pregnancy. This resulted into limited pregnant women’s access to ANC services. Economic factors among others included poverty, high transport costs to the health facility, limited government funding to the maternity department, drug stock out and low-income status of the women. As a result, pregnant women were forced to attend few times for ANC due lack of enough funds to facilitate them during their attendance. Conclusions and Recommendations There are several factors that influence and impede the access and uptake of ANC services by pregnant women including social, cultural and economic factors. Multi-sectoral and well-coordinated efforts can help to mitigate these impediments and also improve on the uptake of ANC services. Government and community leaders should embark on organising sensitisation campaigns and capacity building and all-inclusive empowerment initiatives of general public and stakeholders on the uptake and importance of ANC services. In the same regard, Government and NGOs need to work in consortium to ensure that ANC policies.