Factors influencing adolescents' utilisation of antenatal care services in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe

Abstract

Adolescent pregnancies are high risks obstetric occurrences. Antenatal care (ANC) provides opportunities to recognise and treat obstetric complications, enhancing the pregnancy outcomes for mothers and babies. This study investigated factors influencing pregnant adolescents' utilisation of ANC services in Bulawayo, using the Health Belief Model's major tenets.

A quantitative descriptive design was used in four phases: 80 adolescents' ANC records were audited; structured interviews were conducted with 200 adolescents attending ANC and with 80 adolescents who had delivered their babies without attending ANC; and 52 midwives completed questionnaires portraying their perceptions on adolescents' utilisation of ANC services in Bulawayo.

Documentation of ANC services provided to adolescents did not meet the expected standards. Poor or non utilisation of ANC services was influenced by socio demographic factors, individual perceptions of adolescents about antenatal care, perceived benefits of and perceived barriers to the utilisation of ANC. Most pregnant adolescents could not access these services because they could not pay the ANC and/or delivery fees charged at government clinics/hospitals. Midwives required more training in providing and recording adequate ANC services. Free ANC and delivery services could enhance adolescents' pregnancy outcomes in Zimbabawe. An information brochure on the importance of ANC attendance for adolescents has been compiled, based on the research results (see Annexure J).