A Prospective Study on Utilization of Comprehensive Antenatal Care Services and Pregnancy Outcomes in the Field Practice Areas of Apollo Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Hyderabad
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Background: Comprehensive antenatal care (ANC) is essential for improving maternal and neonatal health. This study assessed ANC utilization, associated sociodemographic factors, and pregnancy outcomes.Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted among 323 pregnant women attending urban and rural field practice areas of Apollo Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Hyderabad, from January 2023 to June 2024. Data on ANC utilization, sociodemographic characteristics, and pregnancy outcomes were collected prospectively. Associations were assessed using the chi-square test.Results: Among 323 participants, 86.4% completed at least four ANC visits, 64.4% registered during the first trimester, and 63.8% consumed at least 100 iron–folic acid tablets. Only 42.7% received adequate comprehensive ANC. Utilization was significantly associated with maternal and paternal education, occupation, socioeconomic status, and parity. Adequate ANC was associated with gestational outcome (p=0.008), mode of delivery (p=0.031), and neonatal birth weight (p<0.001). Low or very low birth weight occurred in 15.6% of adequately attended pregnancies compared with 37.0% of inadequately attended pregnancies.Conclusion: Comprehensive ANC utilization remained suboptimal despite high visit attendance and was significantly associated with favourable pregnancy and neonatal outcomes.
Source: STEMedicine
Institution: Gandhi Medical College & Hospital
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,200
OpenAlex ID: W7225649772
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