Factors Associated with Utilization of Antenatal Care Services Among Pregnant Adolescent Aged 15-19 Years in Dokolo District, Northern Uganda

Abstract

Abstract Background: Adequate antenatal care utilization is essential in risk identification and prevention of pregnancy dangers. Despite government efforts to improve antenatal care service utilization, adolescents in Dokolo district continue to underutilize antenatal care services. Aim: To assess the level and factors associated with antenatal care services utilization among pregnant adolescents aged 15-19 years in Dokolo District. Methods: This study employed cross-sectional design, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods. The sample size of 464 was determined using the Kish Leslie 1964. A multi-stage sampling technique was employed, randomly-selected the villages, respondents were selected house to house. Eighteen in-depth interviews were conducted. Data was cleaned in Microsoft Excel version 2013 and exported to Stata version 18.0 for analysis. Univariate, Bivariate and multivariate logistic regressions was used to analyze data. Qualitative data was thematically analyzed. Result: Majority of participants, 75.6%, attended ANC service at least once, 24.4% did not attend. A very small proportion 4.3% visited 8 or more times. Divorced adolescents (AOR = 0.23, p=0.001) and single adolescents (AOR = 0.46, p = 0.016) were less likely to utilize ANC services. Adolescents aged 18-19 years had increased odds of ANC utilization (AOR = 0.26, p< 0.001). A shorter waiting time of 30 minutes or less substantially increased ANC attendance (COR 17.46, p=0.010). Conclusion and Recommendation: To improve utilization, community sensitization should focus on the value of antenatal care and its processes, service providers should provide adolescent responsive care. Keywords: Adolescent, antenatal, pregnancy, mothers.