Why do pregnant women in Iringa region in Tanzania start antenatal care late? A qualitative analysis.

ABSTRACT: Background:When started early in pregnancy and continued up till childbirth, antenatal care (ANC) can be effective in reducing adverse pregnancy outcomes. While the proportion of women who attend ANC at least once in low income countries is high, most pregnant women attend their first ANC late. In Tanzania, while over 51% of pregnant women complete ≥4 visits, only 24% start within the first trimester. This study aimed to understand the factors that lead to delay in seeking ANC services among pregnant women in Tanzania.

Methods:This qualitative descriptive case study was conducted in two rural districts in Iringa Region in Tanzania. A total of 40 focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted involving both male and female participants in 20 villages. In addition, 36 sem

SUBMITTER: Maluka SO 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7041254 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature