Factors contributing to the late antenatal booking in pregnant women at Holy Family Hospital, Berekum.

Abstract

Background/Introduction: Many health problems in pregnant women can be prevented, detected and treated by trained health workers during antenatal care visits. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a minimum of four antenatal visits, comprising interventions such as tetanus toxoid vaccination, screening and treatment for infections, and identification of warning signs during pregnancy (World Health Organisation [WHO], 2019). Objective: This study aimed to determine the factors contributing to the late antenatal booking in pregnant women at Holy Family Hospital, Berekum. Method: A cross-sectional quantitative design was used for data collection for the study. A convenient sampling technique was used to recruit a total of 50 participants for the study. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data from the participants. Results: The study found that majority of the respondents (98%) defined antenatal visit as when a pregnant woman visits the hospital during pregnancy to access and use healthcare, majority of the respondents (90%) indicated that it is necessary to come to antenatal clinic early during pregnancy, majority of the respondents (30%) indicated that a pregnant woman should visit ANC five times before delivery, 30% indicated that pregnant women should visit ANC six times before delivery, 28% and 12% indicated that pregnant women should visit the antenatal clinic four times and above six times respective before delivery, majority of the respondents (78%) have attended antenatal visits 1-4 times. Conclusion: The study concluded that respondents had a good knowledge about antenatal care and factors contribution to late antenatal booking were; lack of awareness, financial constraints, lack of transportation and fear of medical procedures.