Abstract

This study aimed to identify factors influencing late antenatal care (ANC) attendance among
women at Fort Portal Regional Referral Hospital. A descriptive analysis of 150 women
revealed that 86% of them attended their first ANC visit late, particularly among those aged
25-29. The majority of women with no formal education had ANC late, and late initiation was
more prevalent among those with a parity of 3-4. Additionally, 76% of women had planned
their pregnancy. The study highlights the importance of providing health education on ANC
timing among women within reproductive ages, with priority given to women with low levels
of education, multiparous women, unplanned pregnancies, and urban dwellers. The findings
underscore the need for improved antenatal health care services and improved maternal and
neonatal health outcomes