Abstract

Antenatal care (ANC) plays a pivotal role in curbing maternal mortality rates. This
investigation sought to gauge the prevalence of and factors influencing antenatal care service
utilization among pregnant women visiting Mutara Health Centre III's antenatal care clinic.
The study involved 200 pregnant women in a cross-sectional analysis, employing an
interview questionnaire to assess ANC service utilization determinants. Statistical Package
for Social Sciences software was utilized for data analysis. The prevalence was determined
by comparing the actual ANC attendance (from mid-July 2022 to mid-August 2022) against
the projected monthly ANC attendance (300). The resulting attendance rate of 66.67% was
categorized as inadequate, falling below the globally recommended coverage of 80%.
Demographic findings revealed that the majority (57.5%) were peasants, while 47.5% of their
partners had primary education. Alarmingly, 62.5% lacked knowledge regarding the
appropriate timing for seeking ANC. Key conclusions drawn were that the attendance rate for
ANC was notably low, coupled with inadequate knowledge among pregnant women about
ANC and a prevalence of low socioeconomic status. Recommendations included tailored
education programs for expectant mothers on ANC services by healthcare personnel at
Mutara Health Centre III, public awareness campaigns by the Mitooma district health officer
emphasizing the benefits of ANC attendance, governmental strategies to improve the
livelihoods of those served by the health center, and a proposed study to assess maternal
mortality prevalence specifically at Mutara Health Centre III.
Keywords: Antenatal care, Pregnant women, maternal mortality, Healthcare workers.