Abstract

In Uganda, only 25% of pregnant women-initiated ANC before 20 weeks gestation, and 48% of pregnant women did
not complete 4 ANC visits. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of late initiation of
ANC and associated factors among pregnant women attending Fort Portal Regional Referral Hospital (FPRRH). A
cross-sectional study design using a quantitative research approach was employed for this study. A total of 200
participants were recruited for the study for the period of one month and were selected using a simple random
sampling technique. Data were collected using interviewer-structured questionnaires which were filled by the
researcher with the help of research assistants. Data were entered into the SPSS software application and descriptive
analysis was done using SPSS version 22.0. Results of the study revealed that the socio-demographic factors
associated with delayed initiation of the first ANC visit were the age of 20-30 years; p=0.002 (OR=0.27) urban
residence; p=0.016 (OR=2.32) and monthly income level <0.5M UGX p=0.004 (OR=2.70, 95). The current
pregnancy-related factors included short distance from the health unit p<0.001; (OR=0.13, cheap transport cost
p=0.002; (OR=0.25), planned pregnancy reduced p<0.001; (OR=0.16) and violation by the husband p=0.026;
(OR=3.45). Previous pregnancy-related factors associated included recent caesarian section mode of delivery p
value<0.001 (OR=0.14), use other contraceptive methods other than pills, injectables, and implants p-value=0.030
(OR=2.82), and history of any gynecological surgery had a p value=0.001 (OR=0.12). According to the study
findings, factors associated with delayed initiation of the first antenatal care visit included age, residence, distance
from the nearest health unit, cost of transport, planned pregnancy, violation by the husband, recent mode of delivery,
difficulty in vaginal delivery, contraceptive method ever used, injectables and implants and history of any
gynecological surgery. We recommend that the government through the Ministry of Health construct health
centers that provide ANC within easily accessible distance by pregnant mothers