Factors Influencing Antenatal Care Service Utilization among Pregnant Mothers: A Study at Kampala International University Teaching Hospital, Bushenyi District

Abstract

Antenatal care (ANC) services play a crucial role in ensuring the well-being of pregnant women and their unborn children, yet disparities exist in their utilization globally. This study investigates the factors influencing ANC service utilization among pregnant mothers attending Kampala International University Teaching Hospital in Bushenyi District. A cross-sectional study involving 138 participants was conducted, employing descriptive analysis and logistic regression. Results revealed that only 40.6% of mothers had good ANC service utilization, with factors such as post-primary education, manageable cost of services, and knowledge of ANC services significantly associated with higher utilization rates. Conversely, lack of awareness about when to start ANC services and inadequate knowledge of ANC services were barriers to utilization. Additionally, multiparous women and those with a primary education level were less likely to utilize ANC services optimally. These findings underscore the importance of targeted interventions, including education outreach programs and improved accessibility to ANC services, to enhance maternal and fetal health outcomes. Keywords: Antenatal care, Utilisation, Hospital, maternal mortality, Pregnant mother.