Factors Influencing Antenatal Care Attendance Among Pregnant Women in Lau Local Government Area, Taraba State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study examines the factors influencing antenatal care attendance among pregnant women in Lau Local Government Area of Taraba State, Nigeria, with a focus on assessing the level and distribution of ANC utilization, and identifying the socio-economic, cultural, accessibility, and health system factors affecting attendance. The study adopted a descriptive qualitative research design, utilizing both primary and secondary data sources. Primary data were obtained from antenatal care records from Primary Health Care (PHC) facilities within the LGA, while secondary data were sourced from relevant literature. The findings reveal that ANC attendance in Lau LGA is unevenly distributed across wards and is influenced by a complex interaction of socio economic, cultural, accessibility, and health system factors. Key barriers identified include poverty, low levels of female education, long distances to health facilities, poor transportation systems, cultural beliefs, limited decision-making autonomy among women, and inadequate healthcare infrastructure. The study also highlights issues of irregular attendance and discontinuation of care among some pregnant women. The study concludes that improving antenatal care utilization requires targeted interventions addressing both demand and supply side barriers. It recommends strengthening community health education, improving access to healthcare services, and enhancing the quality of maternal healthcare delivery to improve outcomes in the study area.