Factor affecting the utilization of Antenatal care services among pregnant women at District Headquarter Hospital, Mirpurkhas.

Abstract

Background: In Pakistan every year 276/100,000 women die during pregnancy related causes, which can be
avoided by receive of medical care before (antenatal), during (intranatal) and after (post-natal) childbirth. This
study was design to find out prevalence of Ante natal care (ANC) services and factors associated with its utilization among the pregnant women of rural Sindh.
Methodology: It is a hospital based cross sectional study, conducted at District Mirpurkhas in June-August
2010. A total of 464 multigravida pregnant women attending antenatal clinic were selected by systematic random
sampling. For data collection face to face Interview was conducted by using a pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire. The variables assess were demographic characteristics, socioeconomic status, and ANC services utilization with reasons of inadequate utilization.
Results: Among 464 respondents n=119 (25.7%) didn't received ANC services during last pregnancy due to
multiple reasons lack of awareness n=44 (34.4%) financial constrain n=40 (33%), lack of personal interest n=39
(32.5%), busy schedule n=21 (16%), difficulty in access n=25 (21%), shame and embracement n=17
(14%),family restriction n=14 (11.6%), fear of illness & preference for traditional practices n=15 (12.6%). Among
total6l.6% complain they wait> 2 Hrs. The utilization of services was more in literate respondents n;::365 (85%).
Conclusion: The study showed that low level of ANC coverage. The main reason was identify limited knowledge,
preference on traditional practices, & low level of socioeconomic status. There is need to uplift the quality of services, socio-economic status & level of awareness are recommended.
Keywords: ANC, Reason of low coverage, level of satisfactions.