Comparative study of knowledge, attitude and practices among antenatal care facilities utilizing and non-utilizing women.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the knowledge, attitude and practices among antenatal care facilities utilizing and non-utilizing women, aged 15-49 years.


METHODS
A Cross-sectional survey was conducted between October 2003 and April 2004, including 200 married women in the age range 15-49 years. Knowledge, attitude and practices of women utilizing and not utilizing antenatal care facilities during their previous pregnancy were compared by calculating odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals. P values were obtained by doing chi-square test.


RESULTS
Pallor was significantly lower among women utilizing antenatal care (57%) as compared to those who were not (77.6%). (O.R 0.38 95% CI(0.18-0.81) p value 0.02). Tetanus toxoid coverage was higher among women utilizing antenatal care (92%) compared to those who were not (59.2%) (O.R 10.8 95% CI(4.5-26.2). Knowledge about danger signals in pregnancy and realization of the importance of eating a healthy diet during pregnancy was significantly higher among women utilizing antenatal care.


CONCLUSIONS
Lesser prevalence of Anaemia and better tetanus toxoid coverage was seen among women attending antenatal care facilities. Identification of danger signals in pregnancy and recognition of nutritional demands of pregnancy are better understood by women utilizing antenatal care facilities.
Alam
Ali Yawar
AY
Department of Community Health Sciences, Shifa College of Medicine, Islamabad.
Qureshi
Akhtar Ali
AA
Adil
Malik Muhammad
MM
Ali
Hasan
H
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000554:Ambulatory Care Facilities / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003906:Developing Countries; D005260:Female; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010154:Pakistan; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000503:physiopathology*; D037841:Pregnant People / Q000523:psychology*; D011295:Prenatal Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires