Antenatal care (ANC)

Antenatal care (ANC)

Delayed antenatal care (ANC) attendance after 12 weeks of pregnancy is a growing public health concern (Acup et al., 2023), worldwide, 303 000 maternal deaths occur due to pregnancy and childbirth-related complications yearly, with 99% happening in sub-Saharan Africa (Ekholuenetale, 2024).

Globally, estimated coverage of first ANC attendance within 12 weeks of pregnancy was 58.6%. However, it differs between developed (84.8%) and developing countries (48.1%) by 2013, In South Asia, a similar situation is observed with substantial proportions of women not accessing antenatal care early in their pregnancies (David, 2022). In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that about 20% of pregnant women do not receive adequate prenatal care, but the percentage specifically for those not visiting in the first trimester is lower, around 10-15%. In European countries, the rates are generally even lower, often under 10% (Chilo, 2023).

In Africa and East Africa, it ranges from 8.9% to 50%.  This implies that more than half of women of reproductive age in East Africa including Uganda start their first ANC attendance after 12 weeks of pregnancy (Acup et al., 2023), As of 2017, data from the Uganda Demographic and Health Survey (UDHS) indicated that approximately 34% of pregnant women attended their first antenatal care visit within the first trimester, this implies that around 66% of pregnant women did not receive ANC in the first trimester (Magqadiyane, 2022).

Pregnancy-related and childbirth-related complications are associated with first-level causes of maternal morbidity and mortality among pregnant women aged 15–49 years. It also compromises the attainment of Sustainable Development Goal 3 and the reduction of the currently high maternal mortality ratio of 336 deaths per 100 000 people (Boka, Alemu, & Gela, 2023). The WHO recommends the first ANC contact within 12 weeks of gestation among pregnant women, with subsequent contacts thereafter. During these contact visits, risk identification, prevention and management of pregnancy-related conditions, health education and promotion are among the essential interventions of focus for these pregnant women (Abera et al., 2023).

Studies indicate that the cost of healthcare services, including consultations, laboratory tests, and medications, can be prohibitive for low-income families. Additionally, indirect costs such as transportation and loss of wages further discourage early ANC attendance (Magadi, Madise, & Rodrigues, 2000). Maternal education level is closely linked to the utilization of ANC services. Women with lower educational attainment often lack knowledge about the importance of early ANC and the recommended schedule of visits (Titaley, Hunter, Dibley, & Heywood, 2010). Furthermore, limited health literacy can impede understanding of ANC benefits and adherence to medical advice.

Uganda’s Ministry of Health (MoH), together with development and implementing partners, introduced free access to ANC clinics, trained health workers, mobilized the community using VHTs and provided intermittent preventive treatment in pregnancy (plus insecticide-treated bed nets). All these, among others, were meant to increase first-time ANC attendance in Uganda. However, first ANC attendance within 12 weeks of pregnancy is low, at only 29% among pregnant women, implying that Ugandan women start attending their first ANC late, which has negative ramifications including preterm birth, low birth weight, stillbirths and maternal mortality (UDHS, 2019).

According to Sangho, et al., (2021), Malaria infection during pregnancy can increase the risk of several complications, including, Preterm Birth: Malaria can disrupt the normal development of the placenta, leading to preterm birth (delivery before 37 weeks of gestation) can impair the transfer of nutrients from the mother to the fetus through the placenta, resulting in inadequate fetal growth and low birth weight (less than 2,500 grams, which are a risk of health problems and have an increased likelihood of neonatal mortality (Tarekegn et al., 2021). Severe malaria infections can increase the risk of miscarriage (spontaneous abortion) and stillbirth (fetal death after 20 weeks of gestation), Pregnant women with malaria are at an increased risk of developing complications such as cerebral malaria, organ failure, and severe anemia, which can be life-threatening if not promptly treated (Maduka, et al., 2020).

Malaria remains a public health threat of concern. In 2016, an estimated 216 million cases of malaria occurred worldwide, a slight rise from 211 million cases in 2015, but a significant drop compared to 237 million cases in 2010. These cases resulted in 445,000 and 446,000 deaths in 2016 and 2015, respectively (Anchang-Kimbi, (2020), over 88% of malaria burden occurs in the African region, with children under 5 years of age and pregnant women bearing the biggest burden. Plasmodium falciparum accounts for over 95% of all malaria infections in the continent, the other four parasite species accounting for the remainder (Etefia, 2020). In Africa, malaria is highly endemic and is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality. It contributes 4–19% to low birth weight, 3–15% to maternal anemia, and 3–8% to infant deaths, while maternal anemia contributes 7–18% to low birth weight, (Olarewaju, 2020).

Malaria remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among pregnant women in Uganda with over 90% of the pregnant women at risk of developing the disease. Uganda is ranked fourth among the highest malaria-burden countries in the world, with some of the highest transmission rates in the world (Ameyaw, 2022). Malaria accounts for up to 50% of outpatient visits among pregnant women in Uganda, 15–20% of admissions and up to 20% of hospital deaths (Chijioke, 2020).  According to the Uganda Malaria Indicator Survey 2018 in Uganda, malaria parasitaemia was high in most regions of the country, with hyper-endemicity (prevalence of 50–75%) demonstrated in three regions, meso-endemicity (prevalence 10–50%) in six, and hypo-endemicity (prevalence < 10%) in one region (UDHS, 2021).

Globally the World Health Organization (WHO), indicates that malaria infection during pregnancy is estimated to cause approximately 10,000 maternal deaths globally each year, while the government of Uganda in conjunction with other non-government organizations have put a lot of effort to curb the malaria infection in pregnant women in Uganda, but malaria still claims a lot of morbidity with 40 percent comparison to other diseases.  Pregnant women with malaria are at an increased risk of developing severe anemia, which can cause weakness, fatigue, dizziness, and shortness of breath (Buhuguru Nasanairo, 2021). Malaria accounts for up to 50% of outpatient visits among pregnant women in Uganda, 15–20% of admissions and up to 20% of hospital deaths (Chijioke, 2020).  According to the Uganda Malaria Indicator Survey 2018 in Uganda, malaria parasitaemia was high in most regions of the country, with hyper-endemicity (prevalence of 50–75%) demonstrated in three regions, meso-endemicity (prevalence 10–50%) in six, and hypo-endemicity (prevalence < 10%) in one region (UDHS, 2021),

wilbroad

Wilbroad Oketcho

Research Writer Profile:Name: oketcho wilbroad Professional Experience: Over 10 years of experience in academic research and writing Published numerous research papers in reputable journals Contributed to several collaborative research projects Expertise: Proficient in data analysis using statistical software such as SPSS, STATA, EPIDATA, and EViews Specialization in epidemiological research, with a keen interest in public health issues Skilled in quantitative and qualitative research methodologies Research Skills: Extensive experience in designing and conducting research studies Expertise in literature review, hypothesis formulation, and research question development Strong analytical skills for data interpretation and presentation Software Proficiency: SPSS: Advanced proficiency in data cleaning, transformation, and statistical analysis STATA: Expertise in econometric and statistical analysis for social science research EPIDATA: Used for efficient and accurate data entry and validation EViews: Specialized in time-series analysis and forecasting Writing Skills: Exceptional writing skills demonstrated through published research papers Ability to communicate complex research findings in a clear and concise manner Experienced in writing literature reviews, methodology sections, and discussion of results Collaboration and Communication: Proven ability to collaborate with interdisciplinary teams Effective communication skills for presenting research findings at conferences and meetings Achievements: Recognition for outstanding contributions to research in the field of epidemiology Awarded grants for research projects on public health and statistical analysis Recent Projects: Conducted a longitudinal study on the impact of environmental factors on public health outcomes Collaborated on a multi-center research project analyzing the effectiveness of interventions in disease prevention Continuous Learning: Regularly attends workshops and conferences to stay updated on the latest research methodologies and statistical techniques 📧 Contact: Email: info@researchconsultuganda.com

Antenatal care (ANC)

By Wilbroad OketchoIn UncategorizedPosted 0 Comment(s)

Antenatal care (ANC)

Delayed antenatal care (ANC) attendance after 12 weeks of pregnancy is a growing public health concern (Acup et al., 2023), worldwide, 303 000 maternal deaths occur due to pregnancy and childbirth-related complications yearly, with 99% happening in sub-Saharan Africa (Ekholuenetale, 2024).

Globally, estimated coverage of first ANC attendance within 12 weeks of pregnancy was 58.6%. However, it differs between developed (84.8%) and developing countries (48.1%) by 2013, In South Asia, a similar situation is observed with substantial proportions of women not accessing antenatal care early in their pregnancies (David, 2022). In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that about 20% of pregnant women do not receive adequate prenatal care, but the percentage specifically for those not visiting in the first trimester is lower, around 10-15%. In European countries, the rates are generally even lower, often under 10% (Chilo, 2023).

In Africa and East Africa, it ranges from 8.9% to 50%.  This implies that more than half of women of reproductive age in East Africa including Uganda start their first ANC attendance after 12 weeks of pregnancy (Acup et al., 2023), As of 2017, data from the Uganda Demographic and Health Survey (UDHS) indicated that approximately 34% of pregnant women attended their first antenatal care visit within the first trimester, this implies that around 66% of pregnant women did not receive ANC in the first trimester (Magqadiyane, 2022).

Pregnancy-related and childbirth-related complications are associated with first-level causes of maternal morbidity and mortality among pregnant women aged 15–49 years. It also compromises the attainment of Sustainable Development Goal 3 and the reduction of the currently high maternal mortality ratio of 336 deaths per 100 000 people (Boka, Alemu, & Gela, 2023). The WHO recommends the first ANC contact within 12 weeks of gestation among pregnant women, with subsequent contacts thereafter. During these contact visits, risk identification, prevention and management of pregnancy-related conditions, health education and promotion are among the essential interventions of focus for these pregnant women (Abera et al., 2023).

Studies indicate that the cost of healthcare services, including consultations, laboratory tests, and medications, can be prohibitive for low-income families. Additionally, indirect costs such as transportation and loss of wages further discourage early ANC attendance (Magadi, Madise, & Rodrigues, 2000). Maternal education level is closely linked to the utilization of ANC services. Women with lower educational attainment often lack knowledge about the importance of early ANC and the recommended schedule of visits (Titaley, Hunter, Dibley, & Heywood, 2010). Furthermore, limited health literacy can impede understanding of ANC benefits and adherence to medical advice.

Uganda’s Ministry of Health (MoH), together with development and implementing partners, introduced free access to ANC clinics, trained health workers, mobilized the community using VHTs and provided intermittent preventive treatment in pregnancy (plus insecticide-treated bed nets). All these, among others, were meant to increase first-time ANC attendance in Uganda. However, first ANC attendance within 12 weeks of pregnancy is low, at only 29% among pregnant women, implying that Ugandan women start attending their first ANC late, which has negative ramifications including preterm birth, low birth weight, stillbirths and maternal mortality (UDHS, 2019).

According to Sangho, et al., (2021), Malaria infection during pregnancy can increase the risk of several complications, including, Preterm Birth: Malaria can disrupt the normal development of the placenta, leading to preterm birth (delivery before 37 weeks of gestation) can impair the transfer of nutrients from the mother to the fetus through the placenta, resulting in inadequate fetal growth and low birth weight (less than 2,500 grams, which are a risk of health problems and have an increased likelihood of neonatal mortality (Tarekegn et al., 2021). Severe malaria infections can increase the risk of miscarriage (spontaneous abortion) and stillbirth (fetal death after 20 weeks of gestation), Pregnant women with malaria are at an increased risk of developing complications such as cerebral malaria, organ failure, and severe anemia, which can be life-threatening if not promptly treated (Maduka, et al., 2020).

Malaria remains a public health threat of concern. In 2016, an estimated 216 million cases of malaria occurred worldwide, a slight rise from 211 million cases in 2015, but a significant drop compared to 237 million cases in 2010. These cases resulted in 445,000 and 446,000 deaths in 2016 and 2015, respectively (Anchang-Kimbi, (2020), over 88% of malaria burden occurs in the African region, with children under 5 years of age and pregnant women bearing the biggest burden. Plasmodium falciparum accounts for over 95% of all malaria infections in the continent, the other four parasite species accounting for the remainder (Etefia, 2020). In Africa, malaria is highly endemic and is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality. It contributes 4–19% to low birth weight, 3–15% to maternal anemia, and 3–8% to infant deaths, while maternal anemia contributes 7–18% to low birth weight, (Olarewaju, 2020).

Malaria remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among pregnant women in Uganda with over 90% of the pregnant women at risk of developing the disease. Uganda is ranked fourth among the highest malaria-burden countries in the world, with some of the highest transmission rates in the world (Ameyaw, 2022). Malaria accounts for up to 50% of outpatient visits among pregnant women in Uganda, 15–20% of admissions and up to 20% of hospital deaths (Chijioke, 2020).  According to the Uganda Malaria Indicator Survey 2018 in Uganda, malaria parasitaemia was high in most regions of the country, with hyper-endemicity (prevalence of 50–75%) demonstrated in three regions, meso-endemicity (prevalence 10–50%) in six, and hypo-endemicity (prevalence < 10%) in one region (UDHS, 2021).

Globally the World Health Organization (WHO), indicates that malaria infection during pregnancy is estimated to cause approximately 10,000 maternal deaths globally each year, while the government of Uganda in conjunction with other non-government organizations have put a lot of effort to curb the malaria infection in pregnant women in Uganda, but malaria still claims a lot of morbidity with 40 percent comparison to other diseases.  Pregnant women with malaria are at an increased risk of developing severe anemia, which can cause weakness, fatigue, dizziness, and shortness of breath (Buhuguru Nasanairo, 2021). Malaria accounts for up to 50% of outpatient visits among pregnant women in Uganda, 15–20% of admissions and up to 20% of hospital deaths (Chijioke, 2020).  According to the Uganda Malaria Indicator Survey 2018 in Uganda, malaria parasitaemia was high in most regions of the country, with hyper-endemicity (prevalence of 50–75%) demonstrated in three regions, meso-endemicity (prevalence 10–50%) in six, and hypo-endemicity (prevalence < 10%) in one region (UDHS, 2021),

wilbroad

Wilbroad Oketcho

Research Writer Profile:Name: oketcho wilbroad Professional Experience: Over 10 years of experience in academic research and writing Published numerous research papers in reputable journals Contributed to several collaborative research projects Expertise: Proficient in data analysis using statistical software such as SPSS, STATA, EPIDATA, and EViews Specialization in epidemiological research, with a keen interest in public health issues Skilled in quantitative and qualitative research methodologies Research Skills: Extensive experience in designing and conducting research studies Expertise in literature review, hypothesis formulation, and research question development Strong analytical skills for data interpretation and presentation Software Proficiency: SPSS: Advanced proficiency in data cleaning, transformation, and statistical analysis STATA: Expertise in econometric and statistical analysis for social science research EPIDATA: Used for efficient and accurate data entry and validation EViews: Specialized in time-series analysis and forecasting Writing Skills: Exceptional writing skills demonstrated through published research papers Ability to communicate complex research findings in a clear and concise manner Experienced in writing literature reviews, methodology sections, and discussion of results Collaboration and Communication: Proven ability to collaborate with interdisciplinary teams Effective communication skills for presenting research findings at conferences and meetings Achievements: Recognition for outstanding contributions to research in the field of epidemiology Awarded grants for research projects on public health and statistical analysis Recent Projects: Conducted a longitudinal study on the impact of environmental factors on public health outcomes Collaborated on a multi-center research project analyzing the effectiveness of interventions in disease prevention Continuous Learning: Regularly attends workshops and conferences to stay updated on the latest research methodologies and statistical techniques 📧 Contact: Email: info@researchconsultuganda.com

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