FACTORS INFLUENCING THE UPTAKE OF ANC SERVICES AMONG WOMEN ATTENDING MCH CLINIC AT JOOTRH.

Abstract

Antenatal care (ANC) is important for the prevention of maternal and fetal mortality and morbidity. Recently, the WHO changed the ANC model, increasing the number of ANC contacts with a health provider from four to eight contacts (WHO, 2016). Globally, 64% of pregnant women attend at least four antenatal care contacts, therefore the need to increase uptake in ANC contacts is vital. In sub-Saharan Africa, nearly half of all mothers and newborns receive no skilled care during pregnancy and immediately after birth (WHO and UNICEF). In the Nyanza region, Kenya, only 50% of pregnant women attend the recommended four or more ANC visits, below the national average of 58% (KDHS, 2020). The current study sought to examine the factors influencing the uptake of ANC services among women attending MCH clinic at JOOTRH. The study employed cross-sectional descriptive study design targeting women who attend MCH clinic at JOOTRH. The study used both qualitative and quantitative data collection techniques. Questionnaires were used to collect quantitative data, while qualitative data was collected using key informant interview schedules which targeted nurses working in the MCH clinic at JOOTRH. Quantitative data analyzed with results described as frequencies and percentages. Qualitative data were triangulated with quantitative results as direct narrations and verbatim quotes. The study results revealed that, socio-demographic factors such as; maternal age, place of residence and wealth status, knowledge factors, particularly lack of awareness and health system factors such as staff attitude and waiting time, were significantly associated with uptake of antenatal care services. These results would be of use by the ministry of health (MOH) for purposes of health education, policy formulation and implementation with regards to interventions. This will address high cases of stillbirth occurrence across the country thus improving delivery outcomes among mothers delivering at JOOTRH.