Factors Influencing Low Utilization of Antenatal Care Services in First Trimester Among Pregnant Women Aged 18-45 Years at Kajjansi Health Centre IV, Wakiso District. A cross-sectional.

Abstract

Background:

Early utilization of antenatal care (ANC) services during the first trimester is crucial for improving maternal and fetal health outcomes. This study investigated individual, community, and health facility–related factors influencing low utilization of first-trimester ANC services among pregnant women aged 18–45 years.

 Methodology:

A descriptive cross-sectional study design was employed, involving a sample of 50 pregnant women aged 18–45 years attending a health facility. Data were collected using structured questionnaires. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and results were presented in tables and figures as frequencies and percentages.

 Results:

The majority of respondents (54%) were aged 28–32 years, 52% had secondary education, and 76% were married. Most (54%) recognized their pregnancies after missing two consecutive menstrual cycles. Half of the respondents had two living children, and 52% had not planned their pregnancies. More than half (58%) believed ANC should start after two months of pregnancy, and 44% cited booking for childbirth as the main reason for attending ANC. Most respondents (74%) initiated ANC between 4 and 6 months of gestation. Community factors revealed limited social support, with 52% of respondents reporting no encouragement from their husbands or family members. Health facility factors included long waiting times, where 50% spent over 60 minutes accessing services, and fair provider attitudes reported by 56% of respondents.

 Conclusion:

Despite high awareness of ANC services, utilization during the first trimester remains low. Delayed pregnancy recognition, unplanned pregnancies, limited social support, misconceptions about the appropriate timing of ANC initiation, and health facility barriers such as long waiting times contribute to late ANC attendance.

 Recommendations:

There is a need to strengthen community sensitization on the importance of first-trimester ANC, promote male partner involvement, enhance pregnancy planning education, and improve health facility efficiency to encourage timely utilization of ANC services