title: Gestational age at first antenatal visit in Namibia.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To examine the relationship between pregnancy intention and gestational age at first antenatal visit in Namibia.
  
  
  METHODS
  This study uses secondary data from the 2013 Namibia Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS). Log-normal survival models are used to examine the independent effect of pregnancy intention on gestational age at first antenatal visit while controlling for relevant sociodemographic and socioeconomic covariates.
  
  
  RESULTS
  This study finds that those who indicated unwanted pregnancies were significantly more likely to delay initiating antenatal care (ANC). Other variables also associated with gestational age at first antenatal visit include contact with a health worker, health insurance, media exposure to safe motherhood messages, birth order, relationship with head of household, maternal education, and urban residence.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Timely ANC is necessary to identify and mitigate risk factors in pregnancy but many mothers in Namibia do not receive such care. Reducing unwanted pregnancies through family planning may limit ANC delays. After unwanted pregnancies occur, women may benefit from further education and resources that empower them to pursue ANC promptly.
authors: Department of Geography, Social Science Centre, 1409, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON, N6A 5C2, Canada. nandini.thogarapalli@gmail.com.
authors: Nandini
authors: http://orcid.org/0000-0003-3368-5045
authors: N
authors: Thogarapalli
authors: Institute of Interdisciplinary Studies, Carleton University (2210 Dunton Tower), 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, ON, K1S 5B6, Canada.
authors: Paul
authors: P
authors: Mkandawire
authors: Department of Geography, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3G1, Canada.
authors: Joseph
authors: J
authors: Kangmennaang
authors: Department of Geography, Social Science Centre, 1409, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON, N6A 5C2, Canada.
authors: Isaac
authors: I
authors: Luginaah
authors: Department of Geography, Social Science Centre, 1409, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON, N6A 5C2, Canada.
authors: Godwin
authors: G
authors: Arku
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005865:Gestational Age; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009276:Namibia; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011275:Pregnancy, Unwanted; D011295:Prenatal Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D017584:Reproductive History; D012111:Residence Characteristics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Antenatal care; Focused antenatal care; Maternal health; Namibia; Pregnancy intention; Timely care