Factors affecting utilization of antenatal care among reproductive age group women (15-49 years) in an urban squatter settlement of Karachi.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the socio-demographic characteristics and utilization pattern of antenatal care of reproductive age group women (15-49 years) in an urban squatter settlement of Karachi and to assess and compare the knowledge on antenatal care between women who received and those who did not receive antenatal care. METHODS: A community-based cross sectional survey was conducted and a sample of 323 women was taken through systematic sampling. Two hundred ninety five (295) women were interviewed and 28 were excluded, as they never experienced a pregnancy. Socio-demographic characteristics and knowledge about antenatal care were compared on the basis of having received and not having received antenatal care, utilizing bivariate and multivariate analysis. RESULTS: Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that higher income women were twice likely to use antenatal care services (AOR = 2.11 95% CI 1.14-3.89) than those of lower income. Women receiving antenatal care were more knowledgeable about the importance of dietary protein (AOR = 1.97 95% CI 1.16-3.33), intake of green leafy vegetables for the prevention of anemia (AOR = 2.34 95% CI 1.33-4.11), and reporting danger signs (AOR = 2.25 95% CI 1.07-4.74). CONCLUSION: Women of reproductive age need to recognize the importance of receiving antenatal care in the community. Uplifting the socio-economic status and literacy rate of women is required to provide community based education. There is a potential need to increase nutrition education, highlighting the importance of iron supplementation, appropriate food during pregnancy and recognition of signs and symptoms and danger signs in pregnancy.