Factors Affecting Antenatal Care Attendance in Machew Town, Southern Tigray
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Date
2008
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Antenatal care is potentially one of the most effective health
intervention for preventing maternal morbidity and mortality
particularly in places where the general health status of women is poor;
but its importance remained under utilized in Ethiopia.
A community based cross-sectional study was conducted from
February 1-30, 2008 in Maichew Town, Tigray Regional state, to
assess factors affecting utilization of antenatal care services among
women during their third trimester of pregnancy and within 12 months
post delivery preceding the survey. Interviewer administered structured
questionnaire was used for data collection. Data were collected from
three Kebeles with access to ANC services and a total of 419 study
subjects were included in the study. The data were cleaned, edited,
and entered into a computer and analyzed using SPSS window version
15. Odds ratios were calculated using logistic regression model to
control confounders. Statistical tests were done at a level of significance
ofp<0.05.
The study revealed that about 80% of the women had at least one
antenatal visit during their recent pregnancy. Most of the antenatal care
(ANC) attendants made their first visit during their second and third
trimester of pregnancy. Among ANC users close to 22% had less than
four antenatal care contacts. The main reasons for non-attendance at
ANC clinic were related to being healthy and lacle of time.
There was a significant association (P<0.05) between antenatal care
utilization and socio-demographic variables such as schooling, high
parity, income, age and marital s tatus.
It was also observed that non-attendance was higher for those with
unplanned pregnancy, low knowledge of unhealthy pregnancy andthose whose husband or partner's attitude to ANC attendance were
negative.
In addition those women who perceived the quality was poor and long
waiting time at ANC services and those who had no confidence on the
services were significantly associated with ANC non-attendance.
The study revealed low antenatal care utilization in the area taking the
WHO recommendation that ANC for all pregnant women. Sociodemographic
factors were found to be barriers to utilization of antenatal
care services. Based on the above findings, improving the quality of
service delivery, education and effective behavioral change and
communication are recommended to bring about proper antenatal care
service utilization by the study community.
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Keywords
Attendance in Machew