Perceptions of focused prenatal care among women attending two tertiary centers in Nigeria

Abstract

Previous negative obstetric experiences did not generally affect preference for prenatal visits. However, pregnant women expressed dissatisfaction with a reduced number of visits.

Improvement of Early Antenatal Care Initiation

“…14 It was supported by the fact that lack of knowledge on time to start ANC among pregnant women has been identified in the studies from Ethiopia and Nigeria. 6,8,12,13,15 Moreover, a meta-analysis of qualitative studies found that the main reasons for late attendance of women were perceived pregnancy as a normal life event, lack of understanding of ANC benefits, embarrassment, and cultural and/or supernatural implications of pregnancy disclosure. 16 Those reasons may be attributed to being unaware of the benefits of early ANC initiation 8,16 ; thus, encouraging women to have early ANC and access core ANC services is required.…”

“…Although the WHO recommended early ANC before 12 weeks, the gestational age for ANC initiation previously reported varied across countries in Asia and Africa from 12 to 20 weeks. 3,4,7,12,13 To improve early ANC, the LHVs were selected to be the target of the intervention in our study because they are local residents living in the community, thus they have a good understanding of the local lifestyles and beliefs, particularly religious and traditional beliefs, which might affect a woman’s attitudes or knowledge toward ANC. 14 It was supported by the fact that lack of knowledge on time to start ANC among pregnant women has been identified in the studies from Ethiopia and Nigeria.…”

“…14 It was supported by the fact that lack of knowledge on time to start ANC among pregnant women has been identified in the studies from Ethiopia and Nigeria. 6,8,12,13,15…”