Influence of Social Factors on Utilization of Antenatal Care Services: A Case in Njombe Town Council for the Three Health Facilities; Njombe Urban, Idundilanga and ARCS Health Center

Abstract

The focus of this study was to assess the influence of social factors on utilization of Antenatal Care services in Njombe Town Council. This study was of quantitative whereas, cross section research design was used to capture data at one time. Questionnaire was used to collect data for statistical analysis from pregnant women who acquire and attain ANC services, as three health facilities supported for the collection of qualitative and quantitative data. Questionnaire was found to be suitable as it captured measurable data which were suitable for hypothesis testing. The researcher employed Simple random sampling, as it was used to draw out 182 respondents from the targeted population in the context of Njombe Town Council. Using chi square analysis and mean score analysis, findings revealed that social factors had significant influence on the utilization of ANC services for pregnant women in Njombe Town Council. It was further found out that, husband communication with pregnant women was highly contributing to their partners to effectively utilize ANC services when compared with the communication by pregnant women with the health workers and relatives. Also, it was found out that pregnant women with secondary level of education were utilizing more ANC services when compared with pregnant women with other levels of education. Based on these findings this study concludes that social factors was significant influencing utilization of ANC services. This study recommends that professional training to the health cares for providing health care on ANC services to pregnant women to regularly access ANC services, should be implemented by the government in order to sufficiently improve provision of ANC services hence reduce potential risks for the mother and child throughout the maternity period.