Determinants of underutilization of antenatal care services among women aged 15 to 49 years in central region of Uganda

Abstract

Early initiation of ANC is crucial for optimal maternal and child health outcomes however the adoption among women in Central Uganda is still optimal. Therefore, this study examined determinants of underutilization of ANC services among women aged 15-49 years in Central region of Uganda. The study used secondary data from the Uganda Demographic and Health Survey (UDHS) of 2016. Data was analyzed basing on the weighted sample of 2,177 women in Central Uganda aged 15-49 using STATA version 15 software at univariate and bivariate level and presented using tables inform of frequencies and percentages. Only 60% of respondents to the 2016 UDHS were found to have gone to four or more ANC visits, 36.2% of women who underutilize antenatal care services were from rural areas (56%) aged 25-39(56.4%) married (75.6%) Catholics (34.2%) with secondary education doing agriculture (28.4%) with in the rich wealth quintile (71.6%) and their relationship to the household was wife (61.4%). At the bivariate level the study revealed a significant association between education level, age and underutilization of antenatal care services (P<0.005). In conclusion, the results showed the importance of considering a woman’s education level, age, and residence, relationship to the household head, marital status, occupation, wealth index, religion and distance to the health facility. By addressing these factors, it is possible to improve utilization of antenatal care service usage and ensure the health lives of mothers and their children In order to improve the rate of antenatal health care usage among expectant mothers in the Central area, intervention programs should strive to raise the level of education among women and their husbands. Male inclusion and engagement should be prioritized for ANC programs and services to stimulate and promote awareness campaigns that highlight the benefits received by men who support their women during pregnancy.