Assessing the Consistency of Antenatal Care Visits, Their Determinants, and Health Outcomes Among Post‐Natal Women Admitted in Maternity Wards in Selected Health Facilities in Ifakara Town: A Cross‐Sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: Consistent antenatal care (ANC) attendance is crucial for positive maternal and neonatal outcomes, yet inconsistencies remain a concern in low‐resource settings with limited research on determinants and outcomes of ANC visit consistency. This study aimed to determine the proportion of consistent ANC attendance (≥ 4 visits), their determinants, and maternal and neonatal outcomes among postnatal women in Ifakara Town, Tanzania. Methodology: An analytical cross‐sectional study was conducted between August and September 2024, enrolling 396 postnatal women within 7 days of delivery at St. Francis Referral Hospital and Kibaoni Health Center. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and a structured checklist that collected information from the Reproductive and Child Health cards. Data analysis involved Chi‐square tests and multivariable logistic regression using SPSS version 26. The level of significance was set at a p‐value below 0.05. Results: Good ANC consistency (≥ 4 visits) was observed in 66.2% of participants. Adjusted analysis showed women < 23 years had higher odds of consistency (aOR = 2.732, p = 0.01) than those > 30 years. Health insurance was associated with greater consistency compared to out‐of‐pocket payment (bivariate p = 0.009; aOR = 2.434). A positive provider relationship also predicted consistency (aOR = 0.278, p < 0.001). While a higher proportion of women with maternal complications had consistent ANC (77.61% vs. 63.83%, bivariate p = 0.03), logistic regression indicated lower odds of complications with < 4 visits (OR = 0.509, p = 0.03). No significant differences in neonatal outcomes were linked to ANC consistency. Conclusion: ANC consistency was acceptably high. Younger age, health insurance, and positive provider relationships significantly influenced consistent ANC attendance. The maternal complication finding suggests consistent ANC might be reactive, but overall reduces risk. Future efforts should address financial barriers, promote respectful care, and further explore ANC's complex link with maternal complications prospectively.