Utilization of Antenatal Care among Women in Rwamagana District, Rwanda: A Cross-sectional Study Conducted at Health Centers in 2023

Abstract

 INTRODUCTION: Optimal utilization of antenatal care (ANC) has been challenging in Rwamagana District. One of the causes is the limited availability of multifaceted information regarding ANC. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the rate of antenatal care utilization in Rwamagana District and the possible influencing factors. 

METHODS: A descriptive, cross-sectional study and through a convenient sampling method, three hundred fifty-three (353) women were selected to participate. A structured questionnaire with multiple-choice questions was used for data collection. 

RESULTS: The majority (79.6% of women) began having ANC early in pregnancy, while 20.1% started having ANC in the second or third trimester. After initiation, 94.4% of the women attended ANC for the remaining trimester(s). Dropout was 3.0%, while the women who skipped the second trimester were 1.7%. Subsequently, 0.4% of the women had no ANC at all from conception up to delivery. Overall, 24.1% had <4 ANC contacts, 66.2% of women received 4 – 7 ANC contacts, and only 9.7% of women had ≥ 8 ANC contacts. The household size (P=0.035), socioeconomic status (P=0.016), place of delivery (P=0.033), and source of ANC information (P=0.013) had a significant association with ANC utilization. 

CONCLUSION: Utilization of ANC has relatively been improved; it was found to be significantly influenced by household size, socioeconomic status, place of delivery, and sources of ANC information.