Utilization of antenatal care services among women of reproductive age at Kigungu health centre III, Entebbe municipality, Wakiso district. A cross-sectional study.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51168/prtgrz93Keywords:
Focused Antenatal care, Kigungu health centre III, Trimester, Danger signsAbstract
Background: Antenatal Care is a critical pillar of maternal health designed to monitor the well-being of both the expectant mother and the fetus. It serves as the primary entry point into the formal healthcare system, offering a critical window for early detection and management of pregnancy-related complications. This study identified factors affecting the utilization of antenatal care services among women of reproductive age at Kigungu Health Centre III, Entebbe Municipality, Wakiso District.
Methodology: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted at the antenatal clinic at Kigungu Health Centre III. The sample size (n = 91) was determined through convenience sampling. Data were collected using semi-structured questionnaires and analyzed in Microsoft Excel. Findings were then presented in tables and figures.
Results:
Of 91 respondents, 85.7% lived in urban centers, and 41.8% attained secondary education. More than half (52.7%) of the respondents were self-employed. While 72.5% of respondents reported initiating care between the third and sixth month of pregnancy, only 7.6% began antenatal care within the first three months, 10.9% sought care after six months, and 8.7% attended ANC only when they felt unwell. The most common approaches were seeking advice from elders (27.5%), using herbs (14.3%), and consulting spiritual healers (29.7%) regarding ANC. Beliefs and myths that ANC was for rich families, 31.9%, and that ANC affects the newborn (22%), or ANC is for weak women (18%), negatively affected ANC utilization.
Conclusion: Utilization of ANC services is influenced by multiple factors. Most women initiate ANC in the second trimester. Family support was a strong facilitator, while overcrowding and perceived high medical costs were major deterrents. Recommendations: Implement strategies to reduce congestion, such as staggered appointment schedules at the facility, provision of ongoing health education sessions for mothers, and use of community health workers to encourage early ANC initiation.References
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Copyright (c) 2026 Rehemah Nakakeeto, Hasifah Nansereko, Frank Ssemuwemba, Jane Frank Nalubega, Immaculate Prosperia Naggulu (Author)
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