గ్లోబల్ జర్నల్ ఆఫ్ బయాలజీ, అగ్రికల్చర్ & హెల్త్ సైన్సెస్

నైరూప్య

Barriers and Motivators to early utilization of Ante Natal Care services in Chipinge South District in Zimbabwe; A Qualitative Study

Oliver T Gore, Collet Muza, Festus Mukanangana

Zimbabwe is ranked amongst the countries with highest maternal mortality rate in the world. Lack of early Ante Natal Care (ANC) use and home deliveries by pregnant women are amongst the drivers of maternal mortality in the country. The study therefore delved on identifying barriers and motivators to early use of ANC and delivering at health facilities in Chipinge South District. A qualitative study was employed using focus group discussions, and in-depth and key informant interviews. Barriers identified included; unwanted pregnancies; long distances; and lack of transport to health facilities. Poverty, poor services at health facilities, low knowledge level on the importance of ANC and religious beliefs were also identified as barriers. Motivators to early use of ANC included fear of complications, ill health during pregnancy, awareness on the importance ANC and services offered at health facilities. The implication of these findings is to implement policies that address these barriers.