Patterns and Determinants of Utilization of Antenatal Care Services by Pregnant Women in Sohag, Upper Egypt

Abstract

Background: The objective of antenatal care (ANC) services is to achieve a healthy pregnancy and clean and safe delivery and birth of a full-term healthy baby with further reduction of maternal and fetal mortality by providing comprehensive health care for women before and during pregnancy. Objective: The aim of this study is to determine the utilization pattern of ANC services and its determinants among pregnant women in Sohag Governorate. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 955 pregnant women in their third trimesters who attended eight randomly selected maternal and child health (MCH) and primary healthcare centers of Sohag Governorate for antenatal care services in a duration of 6 months. Socio-demographic data, ANC knowledge, and data on the adequacy of utilization of ANC services were collected using structured questionnaires. Results: The mean knowledge score of the surveyed pregnant women was 3.1 ± 1.1, indicating fair knowledge. Overall, 76.5% of the surveyed women adequately utilized antenatal care services, and the predictors of proper utilization were urban residence, higher education and good knowledge regarding the importance of prenatal care services, and the utilization of the available services. Conclusion: Most of the study participants exhibited fair knowledge and adequate utilization of antenatal care services. Moreover, urban residence, higher education, good knowledge regarding the importance of prenatal care services, and utilization of available services are among the important factors that influence the utilization of antenatal services.