A Qualitative Exploration of Access and Utilization of Focused Antenatal Care among Pastoral Community in North Eastern Kenya
Loading...
Date
2020
Authors
Ahmed, Ismail
Mwanzo, Isaac
Agina, Okello
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
AJMAH
Abstract
Background: Ministry of Health Kenya has adopted new guidelines for FANC services
emphasizing on four antenatal care visits, birth planning and emergency preparedness. In North
eastern Kenya predominately occupied by Somali pastoralist Communities only 37% of women of
reproductive age receive ANC service at least 4 times during pregnancy, which is considerably
lower than the national rate of 58%. There is limited utilization of healthcare services among
nomadic pastoralist compared to general population, this is due to several constraints stemming
from their migratory way of life, poor social services and spatial disparities. Limited studies have
adopted qualitative approaches to explore access and utilization FANC among pastoralist
communities. The study explored access and utilization of FANC service among pastoralist
community of North Eastern Kenya.
Methodology: The study is an exploratory qualitative study, using a purposive sampling
method forty eight women who give birth two years prior to the study were selected, sixteen male partners and three ANC providers. Data was collected using FGDs and KIIs and analyzed
thematically.
Results: There is low utilization of FANC among pastoralist communities, the proportion of
respondents who had utilized was 83.3% but only few 39.6% had utilized the required four visits
(FANC). There is delayed initiation of uptake of FANC services where majority respondents 55.0%
had attended ANC in their second trimester while only 17.5% had utilized in their first trimester as
recommended. Barrier that hampered FANC uptake are: long distance to health centre, transport
cost, low level of FANC knowledge, TBAs practice, low income and harmful cultural practices.
Major facilitators identified are free FANC charges, good attitude of a care giver and fear of
pregnancy complication. Access challenges range from inadequate infrastructure, lack of skilled
health attendants and logistical constraints to harmful cultural practices.
Conclusion: There is need to reduce travelling time to the health facility by conducting regular
outreach services targeting nomads with no near facility, improve culturally sensitive FANC to
increase accessibility, involving all health stakeholders and community representatives to increase
cultural acceptability and also help priorities policies that increases FANC service uptake.
Description
Article
Keywords
Focused antenatal care, pastoralist; Kenya and women
Citation
Ahmed, I., Mwanzo, I., & Agina, O. (2020). A Qualitative Exploration of Access and Utilization of Focused Antenatal Care among Pastoral Community in North Eastern Kenya. Asian Journal of Medicine and Health, 18(6), 1-10.