FACTORS INFLUENCING UTILIZATION OF ANTENATAL CARE AMONG PREGNANT ADOLESCENT GIRLS; A STUDY AT LA NKWANTANANG MADINA

ABSTRACT

Background: Although every pregnant woman requires good maternal health care for including access to ANC services, pregnant adolescents tend to need more attention and care. This is because adolescents are still developing physiologically, thus immature to adequately carry pregnancy. It is therefore necessary for these pregnant adolescents to seek timely ANC services in order to prevent and manage fetal and maternal complications as well as equip them with health information on how to care for themselves during pregnancy, delivery and after childbirth. This study sought to assess personal, community and institutional factors that influence ANC utilization among pregnant adolescent in La Nkwantanang.

Methods: This study used qualitative approaches including focus group discussions, in-depth interviews and key informant interviews. Thirty-nine (39) participants were used and this included pregnant adolescents, their parents and caregivers as well as midwives in la Nkwantanang. All interviews were audio taped, transcribed and used to generate larger themes. Various themes on factors influencing utilization of antenatal care among pregnant adolescent girls were explored using manual thematic content analysis.

Result: Data analysis revealed that pregnant adolescents delayed in seeking antenatal care because they could not tell they were pregnant early, experienced financial constraints, and attempted to abort the pregnancy. Furthermore, perceived negative attitude of health workers and the fear and shame of being laughed at or insulted deterred them from seeking antenatal care. Family encouragement facilitated their initiation of ANC attendance and friendly attitude of midwives ensured continual attendance.

Conclusion: The findings of this study on factors influencing utilization of antenatal care among pregnant adolescent girls in La Nkwantanang Municipal reveal delayed utilization of antenatal care services among pregnant adolescents. Effective educational interventions should be organised in communities to sensitise them on the need to support and encourage pregnant adolescent girls to seek early antenatal care rather than stigmatize them.