Assessing antenatal care quality and resulting outcomes for women at a tertiary-level hospital
Author(s): Sonia Nasrin, Anuradha Karmaker, Sayma Afroze and Rubayet Zereen
Abstract: Background: Antenatal care (ANC) quality is pivotal for ensuring positive maternal and neonatal health outcomes. Antenatal care (ANC) involves regular medical check-ups, screenings, and educational sessions during pregnancy to monitor the health of both mother and fetus. High-quality antenatal care (ANC) can significantly reduce risks such as preterm labor, low birth weight, and maternal complications. This study aimed to assess the quality of antenatal care services and their impact on health outcomes for women. Methods: This observational cross-sectional study was conducted over six months at Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College Hospital in Dhaka, Bangladesh. A total of 100 women admitted to the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Ward for delivery during the study period were purposively selected as participants. Clinical examinations and relevant investigations were conducted meticulously. The data were analyzed using MS Office tools. Results: Educated women are more likely to have regular ANC and at least four visits. Women over 25 are less likely to attend ANC, while those under 20 and 91.1% of women aged 20-25 regularly attend. Primiparous women showed a higher rate of ANC attendance (95.7%), but women with higher parity (Parity 4+) also increase ANC usage (71.4%). In maternal outcomes, premature rupture of membranes, preeclampsia, and malpresentation occurred in 15%, 12%, and 10% of mothers, respectively. Caesarean sections were more common in rural areas (56.4%) than urban (71.0%). For neonatal outcomes, 15% of babies were low birth weight and prematurity was noted in 15% of cases. Conclusion: Cultural, educational, and socioeconomic factors significantly influence maternal healthcare-seeking behavior and ANC quality in Bangladesh. Disparities in access exist across urban-rural divides, education, treatment sites, economic classes, and gravidity. Antenatal care is underemphasized due to focus on urgent obstetric complications management.
Pages: 44-48 | 117 Views | 46 Downloads
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