Association Between Pregnant Women's Risk Perception and Uptake of Antenatal Care Practices.

Abstract

Introduction: Pregnant women's perceptions of pregnancy-related risk may influence their engagement with antenatal care practices, yet this relationship has not been sufficiently examined in routine primary care settings. Understanding this association is important for improving the provision of antenatal care. This study aimed to determine pregnant women's uptake of antenatal care practices and to examine the relationship between pregnancy-related risk perception and the uptake of care.

Methods: This cross-sectional study included 270 pregnant women in their third trimester receiving primary health care services in a southeastern region of Türkiye. Participants were recruited via cluster sampling. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a data collection form and the Pregnancy Risk Perception Scale. Descriptive statistics, univariate analyses, and multivariable logistic regression were used to examine associations.

Results: Regular antenatal follow-up was reported by 97.4% of participants. Uptake varied across practices: 49.6% underwent oral glucose tolerance testing, 84.4% used iron supplements, 84.1% used vitamin D supplements, and 82.6% received tetanus vaccination. The mean (SD) total risk perception score was 4.0 (1.66), indicating low to moderate perceived risk. Higher risk perception was significantly associated with greater uptake of all antenatal care practices (P < .05).

Discussion: Pregnancy-related risk perception is a key determinant of women's engagement with antenatal care. Incorporating assessment of perceived risk into routine antenatal care may support informed decision-making and improve uptake of recommended screening, supplementation, and immunization practices, thereby enhancing maternal engagement and health outcomes.