Utilization of Antenatal Care Services Among Pregnant Mothers in Wadajir District, Banadir Region-Mogadishu Somalia

Antenatal care contributes to good pregnancy outcomes and often times benefits of antenatal care are dependent on the timing and quality of the care provided. Antenatal care is necessary to establish confidence between the woman and her health care provider, to individualize health promotion messages, and to identify and manage any maternal complications or risk factors. In low and middle income countries, complications of pregnancy and childbirth are the leading cause of death in women aged 14–49 years. This study aimed at determining the level of utilization of antenatal care services among pregnant mothers in Wadajir district, Banadir region, Somalia. Ethical clearance was sought from Benadir University Ethics committee, consent was sought from respondents and confidentiality was maintained by not using any form of identification. Methodology: The study adopted a community based cross-sectional study design. The target population consisted of all pregnant mothers aged 14 years to 49 years within Wadajir district. Data collection instruments was researcher administered questionnaires. The questionnaire was administered to the pregnant mothers who met the inclusion criteria. Data collected was coded and entered into the computer for analysis using STATA version 12.0. Results of the study were summarized using percentages, tables and charts. Chi-square statistics were used to test for strength of association between the research variables and the relationship between the dependent and independent variables under study. Results: The study established that source of income (OR 4.312500, P value 0.0181), person living with the pregnant mothers (OR 4.312500, P value 0.0181) and marital status (OR 1.8, P.value 0.0478) were significantly associated with ANC utilization. About 29.0% of the respondents had visited ANC at least once and above for checkup while 29.7% had never visited ANC clinics. Only 18.9% of the pregnant mothers managed the recommended 4 and above ANC visits. Number of Pregnancies (Gravida), (OR 2.2, P-value 0.0029), pregnant mother complications during pregnancy (OR 4.312500, P value 1.8), influenced utilization of ANC services by pregnant mothers. Conclusion: There is law percentage of pregnant mothers having at least four ANC and above visits (18.9%) as recommended by WHO, this indicates low utilization of antenatal care services. This study recommends customized ANC services targeting pregnant mothers to be established to increase utilization of ANC by pregnant mothers in Wadajir district. Stakeholders should come up with specific efforts towards enhancing staff motivation through introduction of incentives and better working environment.