Factors resulting in non-utilization of Antenatal Care Services from Public Sector Hospitals in the rural area of Bahawalpur

Abstract

Background: Knowledge regarding the factors impeding the using antenatal care would help in effective maternal and child health care delivery. Objective: To enlist the barriers resulting in the non-utilization of antenatal care in public sector hospitals in Bahawalpur. Methodology: This was cross-sectional study conducted in the catchment area of public sector healthcare facilities of Bahawalpur, from 20th February to 20th September 2019. The study population comprised of 152 females of childbearing age selected by systematic multistage random sampling technique. A pre-designed and pre-structured questionnaire was the tool for data collection from the study population. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20. Results: Non-utilization of antenatal care services was found in 44% of women. Barriers resulting in non-utilization of antenatal care were found to be as follows; permission not granted by husband in 25.37%, no awareness about the availability of health services in 17.91%, the distance of the residence from a health facility in 14.93%, no awareness about the existence of health facility in 13.43%, unavailability of medicines in 11.94%, unavailability of staff in 8.96% and unfriendly staff in 7.46% women. Conclusion: This study concluded that the main barriers experienced by consumers of public sector antenatal care services were permission not granted, distance from the residence, and awareness regarding health facility.