Determinants of Antenatal Care Utilization: A Community-Based, Cross-Sectional Study in Morang and Sunsari Districts, Eastern Nepal

Authors

• Sunil Shah, Nepalgunj Medical CollegeFollow
• Chandra Jha, Torrens University, AustraliaFollow

ORCID

Chandra Jha, 0000-0002-0661-2425

Abstract

This study examined the factors influencing antenatal care (ANC) utilization in the eastern region of Nepal, focusing on the Morang and Sunsari districts, with the aim of identifying key determinants affecting ANC uptake and assessing the extent of ANC service utilization among mothers. Using lot quality assurance sampling, a community-based, descriptive, cross-sectional design was employed, surveying 164 mothers who had given birth within the previous 12 months; data were collected from June through November 2023. Data were collected through a semi-structured questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS, with descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regression. Findings revealed that 80.5% of respondents attended ANC consultations, but only 44.7% received ANC in the ninth month of pregnancy, and just 22.7% completed the recommended four ANC visits. While 67.1% of deliveries occurred at home, 85.5% of these were assisted by relatives. Significant associations were found between ANC utilization and maternal education (p = .004), household occupation (p = .003), maternal occupation (p = .018), income level (p = .007), and husband's education (p < .001). Barriers such as financial constraints, traditional beliefs, and limited healthcare access were identified as contributing factors to low ANC uptake. The study concludes that targeted interventions are necessary to address sociocultural and economic barriers, emphasizing the need for improved health literacy, increased financial support, and expanded healthcare accessibility to enhance maternal health outcomes in the region.