Year: 2024 | Month: January | Volume: 14 | Issue: 1 | Pages: 275-282
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijhsr.20240135
Determinants of Early Antenatal Care Booking among Pregnant Women attending Embu Teaching and Referral Hospital, Kenya: A Cross-sectional Survey
Faith Jemutai1, Domisiano Koome Impwii2
1School of Nursing and Public Health, Chuka University, Chuka, Kenya
2School of Nursing and Public Health, Chuka University, Chuka, Kenya
Corresponding Author: Domisiano Koome Impwii
ABSTRACT
Background Information: Antenatal care is a fundamental pillar in ensuring positive maternal and fetal outcome. Even though WHO recommends the initiation of antenatal visits in the first trimester, this varies among pregnant women. This study aimed to determine the factors that determined the early antenatal care booking among pregnant women.
Methods: An institutional based, descriptive cross-sectional survey was carried out in Embu teaching and referral hospital. The study was undertaken from February to April 2023, and involved eighty-seven pregnant women. Data were collected using a researcher administered semi-structured questionnaire. SPSS version 28.0 was used to analyze data. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data whereas regression analysis and Chi-square were used to test relationship at 95% CI.
Results: The study indicated that 35.0% of women started antenatal care within 12week gestation. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that: [(AOR (95% CI)) maternal age 20-24 years (5.25 (1.29, 21.35)), being married (4.6 (1.52, 13.95)), having a secondary education (3.2(1.17,8.74)) and being employed (2.81(1.01,7.80)) were positive determinants of early commencement to antenatal care.
Conclusion: The proportion of women initiating ANC within the WHO recommended gestation of 12 weeks is low. Woman’s age, level of education, marital status and occupation are the positive determinants of early ANC initiation. Health care providers should provide information, education and communication about the benefits of early ANC for every eligible mother. Mass media programmes and campaigns on early initiation of ANC should also be developed to promote early uptake of ANC services among prospective mothers.
Key words: Antenatal care, first visit, timing, determinants, booking.