Utilization of antenatal care services in the first trimester of pregnancy: Analysis of facility based barriers and potential interventions in Chikwawa district
Date
2022-06-15
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kamuzu University of Health Sciences
Abstract
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
Description
Keywords
Antenatal services in first trimester