Background: Antenatal care is essential for reducing maternal and neonatal mortality, particularly in low-income regions. However, the adequacy of the care provided is crucial for achieving maternal health goals. Maternal mortality rates in Uganda are still among the highest globally. Thus, evaluating the adequacy of antenatal care (ANC) services, especially in high-risk regions is imperative.
Objective: To determine the prevalence of adequate ANC and associated factors in Eastern Uganda.
Design: A multicenter quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted at four healthcare facilities in Eastern Uganda from July to August 2022.
Methods: We included immediate postpartum mothers who had given birth within 48 h with a record of their ANC information on a card or book. Adequate ANC was measured by a composite index of 10 core components per WHO guidelines on ANC for a positive pregnancy experience. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire designed with Kobo Toolbox and analyzed using Stata 15.0. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses assessed factors associated with receiving adequate ANC. Statistical significance was determined by a p value <0.05.
Results: We recruited 1104 postnatal mothers, most aged 20-34 years (n = 805, 72.9%). Only 5.9% received adequate ANC, with most mothers receiving an average of 6.9 (±2.0) of the 10 assessed ANC components. Receiving adequate ANC was associated with urban residency (AOR: 2.3; 95% CI: 1.16-4.38, p = 0.017), age between 20 and 34 years (AOR: 3.5; 95% CI: 1.07-11.30, p = 0.038), current or previous complications (AOR: 1.8; 95% CI: 1.02-3.29, p = 0.043), and delivery at a general hospital (AOR: 4.8; 95% CI: 2.60-8.83, p < 0.001).
Conclusion: There is a critical gap in providing adequate ANC in Eastern Uganda, especially for rural and younger mothers. Policy efforts should focus on expanding access, enhancing maternal education, and strengthening healthcare infrastructure to meet the recommended ANC standards.
Keywords: adequate antenatal care; antenatal care components; antenatal care contacts; maternal health services.
Understanding what determines the quality of prenatal care for new mothers in Eastern Uganda: a detailed examination This research was conducted to understand the quality of antenatal care (ANC) that pregnant mothers receive in Eastern Uganda and to identify factors influencing whether they get comprehensive care. Antenatal care is the support and medical care given to pregnant women to ensure their and their babies’ health during pregnancy. The study interviewed 1,104 mothers who had just given birth in four major healthcare facilities in Eastern Uganda. Researchers checked if these mothers received all the services the World Health Organization recommended during their pregnancy. These services include regular health check-ups, education on pregnancy health, and essential vaccinations and tests. Unfortunately, the findings showed that only 6 out of 100 mothers received all the recommended antenatal services. Those who lived in cities between the ages of 20 and 34 or had a history of pregnancy complications were more likely to receive better care. Mothers who delivered at general hospitals also had higher chances of receiving comprehensive care than those at referral hospitals. The study reveals the urgent need for improvement in prenatal care services, especially for younger and rural-dwelling mothers. By ensuring that every mother receives the support she needs for a healthy pregnancy, we can significantly reduce the risks during pregnancy and childbirth. This improvement will not only benefit mothers but also their children, fostering a healthier future for the region.
© The Author(s), 2024.