Determinants of Early Antenatal Care Booking Among Women of Reproductive age in Etsako West Local Government Area, Edo State, Nigeria
Abstract
Early initiation of antenatal care is essential for the prevention, early detection, and management of pregnancy-related complications. Despite increased awareness of ANC, delayed booking remains a challenge in many low- and middle-income countries, including Nigeria. This study assessed the determinants of early ANC booking among women of reproductive age in Etsako West Local Government Area, Edo State, Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 388 women aged 15–49 years who were pregnant or had delivered within the previous 12 months and were accessing selected health facilities in Etsako West. Data were collected using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. A multistage sampling technique was employed, and data were analyzed using SPSS version 26. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize findings, while chi-square tests assessed associations between variables at a significance level of p < 0.05. Findings showed that 59.3% of respondents-initiated ANC during the first trimester, while 40.7% booked later. Although 96.4% were aware of the importance of early ANC booking, barriers such as distance to health facilities (52.1%), financial constraints (21.4%), lack of knowledge (20.6%), and cultural beliefs (6.0%) contributed to delayed booking. Socio-demographic factors including age, marital status, education, occupation, parity, and income were significantly associated with early ANC booking (p < 0.05). Early ANC booking remains influenced by interconnected socio-demographic, economic, cultural, and health system factors. Strengthening maternal health education, improving healthcare accessibility, reducing financial barriers, and promoting community-based interventions are essential for improving timely ANC initiation and maternal-newborn outcomes.
Keywords
Antenatal careearly bookingmaternal healthdeterminantspregnancyNigeria. IJMEPR
References
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