Predictors of quality utilization of antenatal care services in Naypyidaw, Myanmar

Abstract

Information regarding on quality utilization of ANC and associated factors in Myanmar is very limited. Therefore, this cross-sectional study was conducted to identify factors associated with quality (early and regular) utilization of ANC among women living in Naypyidaw Region, Myanmar. Multistage cluster sampling was used to randomly select 375 women aged 18-49 years who had at least one child in previous six months. They were interviewed face to face with structured questionnaire in May 2015. Chi-square test and multiple logistic regression were used to examine factors associated with quality utilization of ANC The results showed 57.1% of women utilized early and regular antenatal care which indicated that they visited antenatal care services during the first 12 weeks and at least 4 times. Only 57.4% utilized early antenatal care during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy and majority (86.4%) utilized antenatal care services at least 4 times. Quality utilization of antenatal care significantly associated withwomen’s age, education, household size, place of residence, household income, number of pregnancy, number of children, cultural belief, knowledge, attitude, availability and accessibility, mode of delivery, place of delivery and women’s autonomy. Women’ autonomy and knowledge remained significant after adjusting for women’s age and education, place of residence and household income. Women with no autonomy were nearly 3 times (Adj OR 2.52, 95% CI 1.45-4.40)more likely to not utilize ANC early and regularly. Health education programs about quality utilization of antenatal care should be targeted to women with low education, low income and living in rural areas. Implementations of policies focus on quality utilization of antenatal care and enhancing women’s autonomy need to be promoted.