Utilization of Antenatal Care Services among Pregnant Women in Ismailia City

Abstract

Background: Antenatal care acts as a strategy to prevent or ensure early treatment of pregnancy complications through systematic assessments. Aimed to evaluate the utilization of antenatal care services among pregnant women in primary health care centers in Ismailia city. Design : A design descriptive was used. Setting : the study was conducted at four governmental primary health care (PHC) centers in Ismailia city. Sample : A convenience sample consisted of 200 pregnant women. Tools : Structured interview form it was composed of four parts. Results : About two third of pregnant women had regular antenatal visits, near to two third had first visit at second trimester ,58.0% of pregnant women had knowledge about definition of Antenatal care, 40.0% merely satisfied about place hygiene. Conclusion : near than two third of pregnant women had utilization of ante natal care at second trimesters of pregnancy. Recommendations : Provide training programs to nursing staff to enhance their knowledge and performance regarding antenatal care, providing posters and prints for mothers to increase their awareness about antenatal care.