Predictors of antenatal care visits among pregnant women in Kinondoni district in Tanzania

Abstract

Background: Antenatal care is one of the determinants of maternal mortality. Through antenatal care, a pregnant mother can be served with several treatments including danger signs of complications hence, serving her from death and other related complications.

Objectives: This study assessed predictors of antenatal care visits among pregnant women. 

Methods: The study employed a cross-sectional design in which 424 pregnant women who had started antenatal care visits in the selected public dispensaries Kinondoni district were involved. A three-stage sampling technique was used to select wards, dispensaries, and women for this study. Data were collected using a questionnaire administered face-to-face by a researcher. a Chi Binary logistic regression model was used to determine significant predictors of antenatal care visits.

Results: The results showed that the majority of pregnant women (69.5%) started the first antenatal care visit late. The predictors of antenatal care visits among pregnant women were; testing for HIV/AIDS would prevent ANC attendance during the first antenatal care visit (OR = 1.92, 95% CI: -1.09, -0.21), household size (OR = 2.46, 95% CI: -1.62, -0.18) and family planning method (OR = 1.52, 95% CI -0.87, 0.04). 

Conclusion: The government and stakeholders should provide programs and interventions concerned with ANC services to communities. Also, women and their partners should be encouraged to use family planning methods and testing for HIV/AIDS during the first ANC visits.