Browsing by Author "Baluwa, Patrick Chriss"

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    Utilization of antenatal care services in the first trimester of pregnancy: Analysis of facility based barriers and potential interventions in Chikwawa district
    (Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, 2022-06-15) Baluwa, Patrick Chriss
    Type of study This will be a descriptive cross sectional study that will use qualitative data collection and analysis methods. Study problem Starting antenatal care (ANC) in the first trimester of pregnancy plays a critical role to the positive outcome of the pregnancy to both the mother and the baby. Starting antenatal in second and third trimester of pregnancy contribute to late detection of anticipated complications to both the mother and the unborn baby thus contributing to increased maternal and neonatal deaths, abortions and miscarriages. Chikwawa district is one of the districts with the lowest attendance of antenatal care services in the first trimester of pregnancy in Malawi. Currently, only 11% of pregnant women attend antenatal care services in the first trimester of pregnancy in the district. This study aims at analyzing facility based barriers that are contributing to low turn up of pregnant women to access antenatal care services in the first trimester of pregnancy and potential interventions that can improve service delivery in the facilities to ensure that women are motivated to attend antenatal care (ANC) in the first trimester. Study Objectives The main objective of this study is to analyze facility based barriers that contribute to low utilization of antenatal care services in the first trimester of pregnancy and potential facility interventions that can motivate women to be attending antenatal care in the first trimester of pregnancy. The specific objectives are: 1. Identify facility based issues that prevent women from reporting to antenatal clinic in the first trimester 2. Assess health workers ideas and perspectives that could make first trimester visits more attractive and productive to expectant mothers 3. Explore facility based interventions that can motivate woman to attend antenatal care in the first trimester of pregnancy Methodology This will be a descriptive cross sectional study that will use qualitative data collection and analysis methods. The study will be conducted at Chikwawa district hospital, Bereu health center and St Montfort rural hospital in Chikwawa District. Purposive sampling technique will be used to select women and health workers who will be participants of the study. Data will be collected through in depth interviews using semi structured questionnaire, key informant interview guides and focus group discussions. The data will be tape recorded, transcribed verbatim and analyzed through coded thematic analysis. Expected findings and dissemination of results The findings will show gaps that the facilities have in providing ANC services in the first trimester which make women not to be motivated to attend ANC services in the first trimester of pregnancy. Additionally, the results will help to identify standard care that the service providers should be providing to pregnant women to ensure that they are positively influenced to attend ANC in the first trimester of pregnancy. Copies of the study reports will be submitted to College of Medicine Library, COMREC, Health systems and policy department and Chikwawa district health office so that the findings assist in improving the ANC services in the district