Factors Affecting Utilization of Antenatal Care Services Among Mothers:

Abstract

Title: Factors affecting utilization of antenatal care services among mothers in Namuwongo community. Background: Antenatal care is a key strategy for reducing maternal morbidity and mortality but many pregnant women in Namuwongo do not receive it. Aim: The purpose of this study was to establish the factors affecting utilization of ANC among mothers in Namuwongo community, Kampala district. Methodology: The study employed a cross sectional study design to establish the factors affecting utilization of antenatal care services among mothers in Namuwongo. A systematic random sampling technique was used and a sample of 386 respondents was obtained. Data was collected using semi-structured questionnaires, and then entered and analyzed using SPSS. Results: The results showed that the level of utilization of antenatal care services among mothers in Namuwongo was 60.4%. Results also showed that socio-demographic factors and health facility factors did not affect utilization of ANC. Although individual factors such as attitude and knowledge were found to affect the utilization of antenatal care services. Conclusion: More qualitative and quantitative research is required to explore the factors affecting utilization of ANC among mothers with more emphasis on individual factors. Key words: Antenatal care, mothers, utilization of ANC, Namuwongo community.