Socio-demographic and obstetric determinants of gestational age at booking at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital: a descriptive survey.
OBJECTIVE
This study evaluated the determinants and socio- demographic and obstetric characteristics of the gestational age at booking for antenatal care at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City.


METHODS
A prospective cross-sectional analytical survey, using a pretested semi-structured anonymous questionnaire was carried out at the antenatal clinic of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City. The participants were women who presented for booking with sure date of last menstrual period, between October and December, 2010.


RESULTS
There were 484 respondents with mean age of 30 ± 4.5 years and median parity of 1. The modal and median gestational age at booking was 20 weeks and 18 weeks respectively. Percentage booking in the first, second and third trimesters was 14.9, 54.3 and 30.8 respectively. There was multiple booking in 90.7% of respondents in the previous pregnancy. Frequent strike actions and distance factors were the main reasons reported for multiple bookings. Nulliparity, previous perinatal death and absence of prior booking were significantly associated with early booking.


CONCLUSIONS
Late and multiple booking for antenatal care is still prevalent in our environment. Nulliparity and previous foetal loss influence earlier booking. Missed opportunities for counseling and resource wastage is highlighted.
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Benin Teaching Hospital, P.M.B. 1111 Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. drehigha@yahoo.com
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Enabudoso
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Obhielo
D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003710:Demography / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D005865:Gestational Age; D006784:Hospitals, Teaching / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D009549:Nigeria; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011247:Pregnancy; D037841:Pregnant People / Q000523:psychology; D011295:Prenatal Care / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011446:Prospective Studies; D017584:Reproductive History; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors