Knowledge and Utilization of Antenatal Care Services among Pregnant Women in Isi-Uzo Local Government Area, Enugu State

Abstract

The study investigated knowledge and utilization of antenatal care services among pregnant women in Isi-Uzo LGA in Enugu state. The study adopted a cross-sectional survey research design. The study population comprised of 1,398 pregnant women and a sample of 300 pregnant women drawn using a two-stage sampling procedure took part in the study. The instrument for data collection was a researchers’ designed questionnaire titled knowledge and utilization of antenatal care services questionnaire. Data was analysed using frequencies, percentages and Chi-square statistics. Results showed that pregnant women in Isi-Uzo LGA in Enugu State had very high knowledge (89.2%) of antenatal care services and majority of pregnant women (87.1%) utilized antenatal care services. There was a significant difference in the level of knowledge of ANC services among pregnant women in Isi-Uzo LGA based on age (χ²= 12.786, p= .002< .05), parity (χ²= 27.697, p= .000< .05) and education level (χ²= 11.356, p= .010< .05). There was no significant difference in the level of utilization of ANC services among pregnant women in Isi-Uzo LGA based on age (χ²= 2.110, p= .348> .05) and education level (χ²= 2.856, p= .414> .05). However, there was a significant difference in the level of utilization of ANC services among pregnant women in Isi-Uzo LGA, Enugu State based on parity (χ²= 28.184, p= .000< .05). Based on the findings, the authors recommended that health education should be promoted by organizing campaign through social media to educate women about antenatal care services and utilization of antenatal care services during pregnancy.