Official websites use. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Uganda has high maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality ratios, typical of many countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Recent findings reveal maternal mortality ratio of , live births and neonatal mortality rate of 29 deaths per live births in Uganda; these still remain a challenge. Women in rural areas of Uganda are two times less likely to attend ANC than the urban women.
Most women in Uganda have registered late ANC attendance, averagely at 5. The inadequate utilization of ANC is greatly contributing to persisting high rates of maternal and neonatal mortality in Uganda. This study was set to identify the factors associated with late booking and inadequate utilization of Antenatal Care services in upcountry areas of Uganda. Cross-sectional study design with mixed methods of interviewer administered questionnaires, focus group discussions and key informant interviews.
Data was entered using Epidata and analyzed using Stata into frequency tables using actual tallies and percentages. A total of four hundred one were enrolled with the majority being in the age group 20 β 24 years mean age, Health workers played a great role Almost half of the respondents never knew the recommended number of visits.
Religion, occupation, level of education, and parity were found to influence place of ANC attendance, number of ANC visits and booking time. Husbands were necessary to provide financial support, accompany their wives ANC clinic, and ensure that they complete the visits. But their response was poor due to: fear of routine investigations and constrained economically. The study findings show the actual rural setting of ANC services attendance and utilization. Much sensitization has to be done specifically in these rural areas to empower pregnant women and their husbands as to improve ANC attendance and utilization.
Recent findings from Uganda reveal a maternal mortality ratio of , live births and neonatal mortality rate of 29 deaths per live births; these still remain a challenge [ 2 ]. Globally, developing countries still face a challenge of poorly implemented ANC programs with irregular clinical visits and long waiting times plus poor feedback to the women [ 3 ].
