Late antenatal care booking and its predictors among pregnant women in South Western Nigeria

Abstract

Introduction: Antenatal care is concerned mainly with prevention, early diagnosis and treatment of general medical and pregnancy associated disorders. For it to be meaningful, early booking is recommended, however, late booking is still a major problem. Objective: To determine the prevalence of late booking in our environment and factors related to it. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study using structured interviewer assisted questionnaires. Results: Mean gestational age at booking was 20.3±6.2 weeks. Prevalence of late entry to antenatal care was 82.6%. Maternal education and age remained significant factors influencing late booking. Conclusion: Late booking is still a major problem in this part of the world. Public enlightenment, health education coupled with women empowerment would be helpful in reducing the problem.