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.