The proposition that inadequate health literacy on antenatal care (ANC) is exacerbating maternal mortality in sub Saharan Africa (SSA) is undisputable. Yet, little is known about ANC literacy in Lesotho, an SSA country with high maternal mortality rates. This cross-sectional study explored the levels of ANC literacy and the associated factors in 451 purposively sampled women in two districts using a semi-structured questionnaire making recourse to statistical principles. Overall, 16.4% of the participants had grossly inadequate ANC literacy, while 79.8% had marginal levels. Geographic location and level of education were the most significant predictors of ANC literacy. Participants had the lowest scores on knowledge of danger signs in pregnancy and true signs of labour. Furthermore, significant knowledge gaps on baby layette and mother’s essential items for delivery were found. Adequate ANC literacy is critical to reducing maternal mortality in Lesotho. Improving access to ANC education, particularly in rural areas is recommended. / Health Studies / M.A. (Nursing Science)

The aim of the study was to investigate the knowledge and utilisation of antenatal care (ANC) services by pregnant women at a clinic in Ekurhuleni. A quantitative, descriptive correlational study was carried out on 90 eligible pregnant women. Data were collected with a self-administered questionnaire and analysed with the help of a statistician using the Epi Info version 7 computer program. The results of the study indicate that most women initiated ANC later than the recommendations by the World Health Organization (WHO). Over half of the respondents had overall good knowledge of ANC, but lacked knowledge of medication and screening tests done during pregnancy, some danger signs during pregnancy and of exclusive breastfeeding. Factors that were identified as associated with late initiation of ANC were current employment status, number of children, transport costs to clinic and number of antenatal visits. / Department of Health Studies / M.A. (Public Health)

The aim of the study was to investigate the knowledge and utilisation of antenatal care (ANC) services by pregnant women at a clinic in Ekurhuleni. A quantitative, descriptive correlational study was carried out on 90 eligible pregnant women. Data were collected with a self-administered questionnaire and analysed with the help of a statistician using the Epi Info version 7 computer program. The results of the study indicate that most women initiated ANC later than the recommendations by the World Health Organization (WHO). Over half of the respondents had overall good knowledge of ANC, but lacked knowledge of medication and screening tests done during pregnancy, some danger signs during pregnancy and of exclusive breastfeeding. Factors that were identified as associated with late initiation of ANC were current employment status, number of children, transport costs to clinic and number of antenatal visits. / Department of Health Studies / M.A. (Public Health)

The aim of the study was to determine factors contributing to late booking amongst pregnant women at Ekurhuleni health district in order to offer recommendations for enhancing early booking. Interpretative phenomenological analysis design was used. Data were collected using semi-structured individual face-to-face interviews from 20 purposively selected pregnant women. Each interview was audio recorded and lasted between 45-60 minutes. Fields notes were taken to triangulate data collection method. Audio recorded interviews were transcribed verbatim. Data were thematically analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis framework for data analysis. Results indicate that healthcare service related factors such as human resources, infrastructure and the type of service rendered at the clinic contribute to late bookings. Client related factors such as socioeconomic status, cultural beliefs and knowledge deficit also contribute to late bookings. Recommendations are made addressing both healthcare service and client related factors in order to enhance early booking among pregnant woman at Ekurhuleni district. / Health Studies / M.A. (Nursing science)

The purpose of the study is to determine the barriers to utilisation of antenatal care services among pregnant women in Omaheke Region - Namibia. A quantitative, cross-sectional descriptive research was followed, and a structured questionnaire was used to obtain information from study participants. One hundred and ten (110) women of child-bearing age between 18 to 49 years who visited Gobabis District Hospital in Omaheke Region for deliveries (full-term) or kept for postnatal care purposes were selected. A questionnaire with open-ended and closed-ended questions was designed using a Likert scale to gather information. SPSS software was used to generate descriptive statistics. Results indicated that the majority of respondents (39%) who attended antenatal care services, fell within the age range of 18-21 years. Participants demonstrated higher knowledge of the recommended number of antenatal care visits and of the importance of antenatal care services. Transport money and cost, long distances to health facilities, desirability, unplanned or unwanted pregnancy, and limited transportation options are the barriers that contribute to low utilisation of antenatal care services among pregnant women in Omaheke Region. Recommendations for deployment of more qualified midwives at rural antenatal clinics, building more antenatal care clinics in the region and creation of community awareness campaigns on the importance of antenatal care may increase the utilisation of antenatal care services in the Region. It is anticipated that this research will contribute to the promotion and utilisation of antenatal care services among pregnant women in Omaheke Region. / Health Studies / M. P. H.