Factors associated with participation in antenatal care in Granada, Nicaragua
Year: 2014
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Objectives: Several studies have indicated the effectiveness of appropriate antenatal care（ANC）attendance to reduce general perinatal complications, neonatal tetanus and death, and low birth weight. This study was performed to evaluate factors associated with ANC attendance in the early gestational period and frequency of ANC attendance among pregnant women in underserved settings, such as the Granada Department, Nicaragua.\nMethods: Four of 33 health facilities in the Granada Department, Nicaragua, were randomly selected for this study. ANC information, including age, number of years of formal education, number of previous pregnancies, number of children, gestational week at the first ANC attendance, and number of ANC attendances during the pregnancy, was collected from ANC records, which were administered by four selected health facilities from January 1, 2000 to December 31, 2000. Descriptive analysis, Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient, and multiple linear regression analysis were conducted.\nResults: ANC record data from 245 pregnant women, estimated as 4% of the annual number of pregnancies in the Granada Department, were analyzed in the present study. Having a partner was an independent factor contributing to early gestational week at the first ANC attendance, and higher educational status was an independent factor contributing to high number of ANC attendances in the present study.\nConclusions: Having a stable partner and higher educational status may improve timely and appropriate ANC attendances. Health care providers should encourage better maternal health behavior among women without partners and those with low educational status.
Authors: Kawasaki, Ryoko, Maruta, Ayano, Hirashima, Ayano, Nishino, Misato, Ohnishi, Mayumi
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W10707843