Association between socio-demographic factors and the timing of antenatal care initiation in Eersterust, South Africa: A cross-sectional study.

Abstract

Despite improved health infrastructure in South Africa, antenatal care (ANC) initiation before 20 weeks stipulated by the World Health Organization requires attention.1 Early and regular ANC improves pregnancy outcomes through screening, counselling, and preventive interventions. This descriptive cross-sectional case study investigated socio-demographic factors associated with ANC initiation timing in Eersterust, South Africa.Data from 419 women (aged 18-49 years) were collected using structured questionnaires and analysed at univariate, bivariate, and binary logistic regression levels. Binary logistic results revealed employment status, country of origin, and parity as significant predictors. Employed respondents [AOR 2.23 (CI: 1.43-3.50)], women with parity of 1 [AOR: 1.80 (CI: 1.04-3.12)], and South African-born women [AOR: 1.54 (CI: 0.94-2.53)] had the highest odds of initiating ANC earlier than 20 weeks.Addressing employment barriers, non-citizenship of South Africa, and high parity may facilitate earlier ANC engagement. These significant factors should inform ANC policy design and review to increase utilization and encourage early initiation. Future programmes should target unemployed women and women with multiple children to improve maternal and infant health outcomes.