Factors resulting in non-utilization of Antenatal Care Services from Public Sector Hospitals in the rural area of Bahawalpur

Abstract

Background: Knowledge regarding the factors impeding the using antenatal care would help in effective maternal and child health care delivery.

Objective: To enlist the barriers resulting in the non-utilization of antenatal care in public sector hospitals in Bahawalpur. 

Methodology: This was cross-sectional study conducted in the catchment area of public sector healthcare facilities of Bahawalpur, from 20^th February to 20^th September 2019. The study population comprised of 152 females of childbearing age selected by systematic multistage random sampling technique. A pre-designed and pre-structured questionnaire was the tool for data collection from the study population. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20.

Results: Non-utilization of antenatal care services was found in 44% of women. Barriers resulting in non-utilization of antenatal care were found to be as follows; permission not granted by husband in 25.37%, no awareness about the availability of health services in 17.91%, the distance of the residence from a health facility in 14.93%, no awareness about the existence of health facility in 13.43%, unavailability of medicines in 11.94%, unavailability of staff in 8.96% and unfriendly staff in 7.46% women.

Conclusion: This study concluded that the main barriers experienced by consumers of public sector antenatal care services were permission not granted, distance from the residence, and awareness regarding health facility.