Factors Afecting the Utilization of Antenatal Care Services by Pregnant Mothers of Kyadondo South Constituency of Wakiso District, Ndeje Health Centre IV

Abstract

Introduction: The general health status of pregnant women depends largely on the quality of antenatal services available to them. The main purpose of this study was to establish the factors that affect utilization of antenatal care services by pregnant mothers. The study was conducted in Kyadondo South Constituency of Wakiso district, at Ndejje Health Center IV.

Methodology: The study was cross-sectional employing both qualitative and quantitative data collection methods. The tool that was used for data collection was a questionnaire that was developed by the researcher, pilot tested to establish validity and reliability and also to eliminate redundant questions. Data was collected from ANC attendees.

Findings: The key findings from the study were; the overall knowledge level about antenatal care services is very high (75%), ANC attendees had knowledge of who should attend ANC. Majority (40%) of the pregnant woman said that Health workers were the most important source of information on ANC Services. All (100%) of the ANC attendees interviewed agreed that it is important to attend antenatal care during pregnancy, respondents provided evidence suggesting that the majority of the ANC attendees expressed satisfaction with the manner they were treated when they last attended ANC Services, and most (87.5%) of the respondents strongly agreed that ANC is not financially affordable. An appreciatable proportion of ANC attendees have to travel for long distances in order to receive antenatal care at the health center.

Recommendations: From the research findings, the researcher recommends that; ANC services should be integrated with other health care services and intensify meetings in the community targeting all stakeholders, on various aspects of antenatal care. There is a need to maintain regular and adequate supply of medical supplies required at the ANC clinics and that DHOs should assist the health centers that serve wide catchment areas to establish and run satellite ANC clinics; Subsidize ANC Services to reduce on the final price paid by ANC Attendees