Background of the Study
Antenatal care (ANC) is a critical aspect of maternal healthcare that involves regular medical checkups, screenings, and interventions designed to monitor the health of both the mother and the fetus throughout pregnancy. WHO (2024) recommends a minimum of four ANC visits for optimal maternal and fetal health. Adequate ANC is associated with improved pregnancy outcomes, including reduced maternal morbidity and mortality, lower incidence of preterm birth, and improved birth weight (Adebayo & Musa, 2023).
In Nigeria, despite the known benefits of antenatal care, utilization rates remain suboptimal, particularly in rural areas. Factors contributing to low ANC utilization include inadequate healthcare infrastructure, financial barriers, cultural beliefs, and poor knowledge about the importance of regular checkups (Ibrahim & Adekunle, 2023). At Federal Medical Centre, Yola, where access to healthcare services may vary, it is essential to understand the utilization patterns of ANC services and how these patterns impact pregnancy outcomes.
A comprehensive evaluation of antenatal care utilization at Federal Medical Centre, Yola, could provide valuable insights into the barriers and enablers of ANC access. This study aims to assess the extent of ANC utilization and its correlation with pregnancy outcomes to inform policy improvements and targeted interventions for better maternal health.
Statement of the Problem
Although antenatal care is essential for the prevention of maternal and fetal complications, many pregnant women in Nigeria fail to attend the recommended number of ANC visits. This has been linked to higher maternal mortality, low birth weight, and other pregnancy-related complications (Okeke & Yusuf, 2024). At Federal Medical Centre, Yola, there is limited data on the relationship between antenatal care utilization and pregnancy outcomes.
Understanding how ANC utilization influences pregnancy outcomes is crucial for healthcare providers to design targeted interventions to increase ANC attendance and improve maternal and child health. This study aims to evaluate the relationship between ANC utilization and pregnancy outcomes to identify areas requiring intervention.
Objectives of the Study
1. To assess the level of antenatal care utilization among pregnant women at Federal Medical Centre, Yola.
2. To determine the relationship between ANC utilization and pregnancy outcomes at the hospital.
3. To identify factors influencing ANC utilization in the hospital setting.
Research Questions
1. What is the level of antenatal care utilization among pregnant women at Federal Medical Centre, Yola?
2. What is the relationship between antenatal care utilization and pregnancy outcomes?
3. What factors influence antenatal care utilization among pregnant women at Federal Medical Centre, Yola?
Research Hypotheses
1. Increased antenatal care utilization is associated with better pregnancy outcomes at Federal Medical Centre, Yola.
2. Socioeconomic and cultural factors significantly influence antenatal care utilization among pregnant women.
3. Women who attend antenatal care visits have lower rates of pregnancy complications and better birth outcomes.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study focuses on pregnant women attending Federal Medical Centre, Yola, and their utilization of antenatal care services. It does not include women who deliver in other hospitals or home births. Limitations may include variability in participants' recall ability and self-reported data on ANC utilization.
Definitions of Terms
• Antenatal Care (ANC): A set of health services and medical care provided to pregnant women to monitor the health of the mother and fetus throughout the pregnancy.
• Pregnancy Outcomes: The result of a pregnancy, including variables such as birth weight, preterm birth, and maternal health complications.
• Utilization: The frequency and extent of access to and use of healthcare services such as ANC.
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