Publications

Antenatal care (ANC) plays a pivotal role in curbing maternal mortality rates. Thisinvestigation sought to gauge the prevalence of and factors influencing antenatal care serviceutilization among pregnant women visiting Mutara Health Centre III's antenatal care clinic.The study involved 200 pregnant women in a cross-sectional analysis, employing aninterview questionnaire to assess ANC service utilization determinants. Statistical Packagefor Social Sciences software was utilized for data analysis. The prevalence was determinedby comparing the actual ANC attendance (from mid-July 2022 to mid-August 2022) againstthe projected monthly ANC attendance (300). The resulting attendance rate of 66.67% wascategorized as inadequate, falling below the globally recommended coverage of 80%.Demographic findings revealed that the majority (57.5%) were peasants, while 47.5% of theirpartners had primary education. Alarmingly, 62.5% lacked knowledge regarding theappropriate timing for seeking ANC. Key conclusions drawn were that the attendance rate forANC was notably low, coupled with inadequate knowledge among pregnant women aboutANC and a prevalence of low socioeconomic status. Recommendations included tailorededucation programs for expectant mothers on ANC services by healthcare personnel atMutara Health Centre III, public awareness campaigns by the Mitooma district health officeremphasizing the benefits of ANC attendance, governmental strategies to improve thelivelihoods of those served by the health center, and a proposed study to assess maternalmortality prevalence specifically at Mutara Health Centre III.Keywords: Antenatal care, Pregnant women, maternal mortality, Healthcare workers.