Factors affecting the time at which pregnant women first attend antenatal clinic in an urban and a rural community in Jamaica

ABSTRACT

Maternal and child health services have been priority in Jamaica for at least seven decades. Studies have shown that early access to antenatal care by pregnant women will impact positively on the outcome of the pregnancy. This survey was carried out to identify factors affecting the time pregnant women first attend antenatal clinics, and the relationship that these factors have with variables such as aged, union status and level of education. The sample of 145 was selected from pregnant women attending one rural and one urban health centre. The results revealed 54 percent of women surveyed attended antenatal clinic with the first 15 weeks of pregnancy. Age and level of education were not important determinants of time of first clinic attendance. The realization of the value of antenatal care per se, that is the minimizing of risk to the pregnant mother and foetus seemed the most important factor which influenced early antenatal clinic attendance. Facilitating factors for early attendance is included shorter waiting hours, location of the health centre, the cost of the services and convenient clinic hours based on the individual's work schedule.(AU)