Organizational related challenges in antenatal care service delivery in semi-urban healthcare facilities in Gauteng, South Africa

Abstract

Antenatal care is vital in improving pregnancy outcomes. It is a vehicle for assisting in the reduction of maternal mortality. For this to be realized, there is a need for antenatal care that is effective, acceptable, and accessible to the users. However, South Africa is faced with challenges that impact the utilization of the service. A descriptive phenomenological design was used to explore the challenges of pregnant women attending antenatal care at selected facilities in Gauteng Province. Data were collected from 14 purposefully selected participants through in-depth individual telephonic interviews. Data analysis was guided by the Colaizzi steps. Credibility, dependability, confirmability, and transferability measures were applied to ensure trustworthiness. Ethical principles were adhered to throughout the study. Three themes emerged: resources and Covid-19-related challenges, overwhelming logistical processes, and suggested recommendations for ANC improvement. Management should provide sufficient resources and counselling services for staff and prioritize antenatal care services