Search

Early first antenatal consultation during pregnancy is important to identify women at risk of complications and to increase the probability of institutional delivery, with skilled birth attendants. However, most women in developing countries begin their antenatal visits after the first trimester. The purpose of this study was to estimate the extent of this phenomenon and to identify its main associated factors. We conducted a secondary data analysis using Kaya Health and Demographic Surveillance System Data (Kaya HDSS), which was collected between February 1 , 2013 and January 31 , 2014. This study included 704 women of reproductive age who permanently reside on Kaya HDSS area. The dependent variable was the time until the first antenatal consultation. The factors associated with late first antenatal consultation were identified by logistic regression. The prevalence of late first antenatal consultation was 62.93%. The multivariate analysis demonstrated that women of age 25 and over (OR=1.77; p=0.002), multiparity (OR=1.72; p=0.036), the women's lack of education (OR=2.72; p=0.001) and the household's poor socio- economic level (very low: OR=2.89; p0.001) were factors associated with late first antenatal consultation. Sanitary education, community implication and free healthcare for mothers and children can contribute in reducing this phenomenon in our context.