Determinants of the disparities in antenatal care and delivery care services in Uganda

Abstract

Disparities in the Antenatal Care (ANC) attendance and Delivery in a Health Facility (DHF) were examined in Uganda where the maternal and the new-born mortality are high. Cross-sectional data on 4818 women were obtained from the 2011 Uganda Demographic Health Survey and was used. Over half and three-fifth of the women attended the recommended 4 or more ANC visits and DHF respectively. Tertiary and secondary education, currently married status, belonging to the richer wealth index group and having daily access to the media significantly increased the attendance of the 4 or more ANC visits and DHF. Attending the 4 or more ANC visits also significantly increased DHF. The researchers conclude that increasing the demand for the continuum of care services through education, information, access to health facilities and lower costs is required to increase the attendance of the recommended number of ANC visits and delivery in health facilities.