Abstract

The study aimed to assess the factors influencing the attendance and utilization of antenatal care services among
pregnant women at Kiryandongo General Hospital in Uganda. The research was conducted using a descriptive
cross-sectional study design, focusing on maternal, socio-demographic, and health facility factors. A total of 200
pregnant women were included in the study. A semi-structured questionnaire was developed to collect
quantitative data from pregnant mothers. Factors affecting attendance and utilization of antenatal care services
included maternal-related factors such as age, education level, knowledge of ANC services, parity, sociodemographic
factors like marital status, number of dependents, male support, employment status, distance to
health facilities, and ability to afford transportation costs, and health facility-related factors. This study reveals
that antenatal care attendance is low in Uganda. Factors influencing ANC attendance include age, educational
level, parity, knowledge about ANC, number of dependents, marital status, partner involvement, partner
educational level, distance to the health center, waiting time, health education, attitude of health workers towards
pregnant mothers, and perceived quality of ANC services. Mothers age and possession of higher education are
associated with higher ANC attendance. Socio-demographic factors also contribute to ANC attendance, with
married mothers and housewives are more likely to attend ANC services. Health facility-related factors also
influence ANC attendance, with mothers who receive health education, have a positive attitude from health
workers, and have a positive perception of ANC services more likely to attend.