Utilization of antenatal care services and associated factors among urban refugee adolescents in Kampala, Uganda

Abstract

Introduction: Uganda hosts an estimated 1.5 million refugees and 12.5% are urban refugees living in Kampala. Uganda is implementing an integrated healthcare system in which refugees and host populations utilize the same health care services. Objective: To assess the level of utilization of antenatal care services and associated factors among urban refugee adolescents in Kampala, Uganda. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study among 637 urban refugees who were adolescent mothers aged 10-19 years. Participants were interviewed using ODK software. The data were analyzed using Stata version 17. Uni-variate, bi-variate and multivariate analyses were performed, and the results reported as proportions, p values, odds ratios and confidence intervals. Results: Most (92.6%) had attended at least one ANC visit, however only a few (11.5%) attended the recommended WHO 8 visits. Less than half (41%) attended the initial ANC visit within the first trimester. The factors associated with ANC utilization included being married and living in an extended family. The factors associated with ANC attendance in the first trimester included being married, education and duration of stay in the area. Conclusions: Utilization of ANC by urban refugee adolescents in Kampala is sub-optimal. There is a need for targeted interventions to encourage adolescent refugees to utilize antenatal care services optimally.