Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of New South Wales, 1999. / Bibliographical references: leaves 283-320. Also available online.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Melbourne, Faculty of Medicine,Dentistry and Health Sciences, 2005. / Typescript. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 292-320).

Thesis (M.D.S.)--University of Sydney, 1964. / Includes tables. Title from title screen (viewed 17 April 2009). Includes bibliographical references. Also available in print form.

Thesis (M.P.A.)--University of Hong Kong, 2008. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 145-150).

Afhandling--Copenhagen. / Summary in Danish. Bibliography: p. [210]-220.

Thesis (M.S.)--West Virginia University, 1999. / Title from document title page. Document formatted into pages; contains vi, 51 p. Vita. Includes abstract. Includes bibliographical references (p. 33-36).

Thesis (M.Nurs.)--University of Hong Kong, 2003. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 81-93). Also available in print.

Afhandling--Copenhagen. / Summary in Danish. Bibliography: p. [210]-220.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Texas at Austin, 2006. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references.

Background: The initiation of antenatal care (“booking”) is universally recommended in the first trimester. While working in the Michael Mapongwana antenatal clinic (ANC) in Khayelitsha, the researcher noticed that late booking was prevalent, with consequent impaired antenatal care and increased potential for adverse outcomes. The objective of this qualitative study was to understand why women book late at this specific ANC. Methods: Twenty-three in-depth, open-ended interviews were conducted with 23 late bookers (i.e. who booked after 18 weeks) who attended the ANC between June and October in 2009. The interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analysed according to the “Framework” model. Results: The mean gestational age at booking was 26,4 weeks (range: 20 to 34 weeks). The majority were multigravid, unmarried and unemployed. A high incidence of previous or current obstetric problems was noted. Important personal barriers included ignorance of purpose of antenatal care, ignorance of ideal booking time, and denial or late recognition of an unplanned pregnancy. Provider barriers appeared to be significant, especially the cumbersome booking system, absence of an ultrasound service, and perceived poor quality of care. Conclusion: A combination of personal and provider barriers contributed to late booking at this clinic - it seems that the perceived effort of attending this antenatal service outweighed the perceived value thereof. Provider barriers should be addressed by accommodating patients’ needs, optimising nurse-patient interaction, provision of an ultrasound service and improvement of the booking system. Public awareness of early booking and the holistic value of antenatal care should also be enhanced.