Abstract
Introduction
Given that a lack of access to ANC services is frequently linked to an increased risk of dying from pregnancy-related complications, antenatal care (ANC) check is critically important throughout pregnancy. WHO encouraged ANC check targeting low-income nations with at least four prenatal visits: before 16 weeks, between 16 and 28 weeks, between 28 and 32 weeks, and at 36 weeks. The aim of the study was to identify the coverage of completed 4 ANC visits or more among women at reproductive-ages 15-49 years (WRA) and to determine the factors affecting women’s access to ANC visits in Cambodia.
Methods
Using Stata V12, we examined data from CDHS 2014 for WRA who had a live birth in the five years before to the survey, covering 5,973 women. Sociodemographic data and health problems were described using descriptive analysis. The relationship between ANC visits and independent variables such age group, education level, place of residence, and wealth quintile was assessed using the chi-square test. A logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the independent relationships between explanatory variables and ANC visits.
Results
The women's mean age was 30.1 years old (SD = 9.8). Overall, 74.4% of WRAs had completed 4 ANC visits or more. Women aged 20-29 had higher completed ANC more than other age groups (p <0.001). The percentage of completed ANC was highest among women with higher education (90.3%) and lowest among those with no education (52.2%), p <0.001). Urban women had more completed ANC4 than rural women (83.4% vs 71.0%, p <0.001). Higher education level (AOR=2.34, 95% CI: 1.60-3.43), older age (20–39), higher wealth index, access to public health services (AOR=1.51, 95% CI: 1.24–1.83), and proximity to health facilities (AOR=1.30, 95% CI: 1.13–1.49) were the main determinants of completed 4 ANC or more.
Conclusion
The findings emphasized the value of improving maternal education and access to public health facilities. Therefore, to improve women's health in a long-term, government and development organizations should work by strengthening and expanding female literacy and education programs. encouraging women visitors to public health facilities