Determinants of Utilization of Antenatal Care Services among Post-Natal Women at Saku Sub County, Marsabit County, Kenya

Abstract

Antenatal care (ANC) is a type of care accorded to pregnant mothers by health care professionals on a regular basis to ensure prevention of health problems during pregnancy. This study sought to assess determinants of utilization of ANC services among postnatal mothers at Saku Sub County. Specific objectives are; to determine the level of utilization of ANC services among postnatal mothers at Saku Sub County, to assess the socio-cultural factors that influence utilization of ANC services among postnatal mothers at Saku Sub-county and to determine the facility related factors that influence the utilization of ANC services among postnatal mothers at Saku Sub-county.The study used descriptive study design. The study population was post-natal mothers aged 15–49 years attending MCH services in selected health centers at Saku Sub-County. The sample size was 154. Simple random sampling was used to select post natal mothers. Pre-testing was done in Laisamis Sub County Dispensary. Research administered questionnaire and Focus Group Discussion (FGD) consisting of 8 participants was used to collect quantitative and qualitative data. Statistical package of social science (SPSS) version 26 was used to analyze quantitative data. Both descriptive and analytical analysis was done. Analytical analysis was done using chi-square and logistic regression. The level of significance used in the analysis was p=0.005. Qualitative data was analyzed thematically manually. Data was presented using tables and charts. Fifty four point six percent and 54.4 % of participants had high and low level of ANC utilization respectively. Majority (86.5%) received support from family members on utilization of antenatal care services a, Although More than (80.9%) of the respondents were not accompanied by their husband during ANC Visit. Most (89.5%) stated that the health-care facilities were fairly neat and personnel attitude was good. In conclusion, among social-cultural factors family support and family member who gave support were statistically significantly associated with utilization of ANC Services at P-value=0.035 and 0.036 respectively. Among facility related factors, none was statistically significantly associated with utilization of ANC Services. The researcher recommends family support to be enhanced through health education during ANC visits.