Abstract:
Antenatal care contributes to good pregnancy outcomes and benefits of antenatal care
depend on timing and quality of care provided. It reduces probability of maternal and
fetal mortality and morbidity. This study sought to establish contextual factors
influencing utilization of antenatal care services by pregnant women in Enzaro Health
Centre, South Maragoli ward, Ideleri sub-location, Vihiga Sub-county, Vihiga County,
Kenya. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted involving mothers with
children under one year within the mother-child welfare clinic. Results showed that long
waiting hours, delays due to difficult geographical terrain and poverty influenced
utilization of antenatal services.
There is need to strengthen routines outreach services to the far catchment areas, home
visits and defaulter tracing be strengthened and communication skills training be given
to staff to improve staff client interpersonal relations at the clinics.
Keywords: Antenatal Care, Pregnant Women, Enzaro Health Centre, Vihiga County, Kenya
