Assessing the costs of antenatal care in Eastern Ethiopia: implications for improving the free maternity services policy.

ABSTRACT: Most sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) countries are implementing free maternity services starting from the first antenatal care (ANC) visit to postnatal care. However, out of pocket (OOP) health expenditures significantly affect the utilization of maternal services in SSA. Limited evidence exists on the costs incurred for ANC health service utilization in this region. This study aimed to assess the costs of ANC service utilization among adolescent and adult women in Eastern Ethiopia. Data were collected from pregnant women participating in the Kersa Health and Demographic Surveillance Site (KHDSS). The study prospectively followed 394 pregnant women across two rounds, collecting both direct medical and indirect costs of ANC service utilization. Direct medical and non-medical costs were summed up t

SUBMITTER: Tolossa T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12828703 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature