Journal of Reproductive Health and Contraception

Factors associated with antenatal care visits in a Mekong Delta province in Vietnam - the role of male partners: a cross-sectional studyTran

Background: Antenatal care (ANC) plays a crucial role to ensure women and child health. The inadequate ANC increases the risk of preterm birth and low birth weight. However, the rate of ANC utilization according to the recommendations of Ministry of Health is still quite low in rural areas. This study aimed to determine the rate of ANC visit and factors associated to the last pregnancy among women in a Mekong Delta province in Vietnam.
Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Chau Thanh District in Mekong Delta province of Vietnam. Face – to – face interview was used for collecting detailed information among 331 mothers who had children under 12 months old by structured questionnaire.
Results: More than three-quarters women (84.9%) attended at least 4 ANC visits and 35.4% attended 8 ANC visits according to WHO recommendations. Mean time of first visit was 7th week, reported by 87.3% of mothers. The higher educational level of women was, the higher the number of ANC visits was. High educational husband (PR=1.13; CI:1.05-1.22), husband working on the boat (PR= 0.76 ; CI 95%: 0.59 – 0.98), having at least 2 full term children (PR= 0.68; CI 95%: 0.50 – 0.93) were significantly associated with the adequate ANC visits.
Conclusions: The educational levels of both women and her husband were significantly related to the adequate ANC visits. Therefore, knowledge of antenatal care should be provided for women and male partners in maternal health programs

Author(s):

Tran Thi Tuyet Nga

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