Pattern of Antenatal Care Visit Among Pregnant Women in Geidam Local Government Area, Yobe State, Nigeria: A Community Base Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Antenatal care (ANC) is crucial for reducing maternal mortality, yet access remains a challenge in many low-resource settings like rural Nigeria. This study aimed to assess the pattern of ANC visits and identify factors influencing attendance among pregnant women in Geidam, Yobe State. Methods: A community-based, descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 women of reproductive age (15-49 years) in Geidam Local Government Area. Participants were selected using systematic random sampling. Data were collected via a pre-tested, interviewer-administered questionnaire and analysed using Epi-info version 7.0. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were employed, with a p-value <0.05 considered significant. Results: The mean age was 29.5±6.8 years. Most participants (68.3%) attended ANC. The primary reason for attendance was to ensure a better pregnancy outcome (85%). Among attendees, 32.2% had the recommended minimum of three visits. Reasons for non-attendance included cost (36.2%), distance (28.5%), and husband's refusal (8.3%). Factors significantly associated with ANC attendance were age, education, parity, and residence (p<0.05). The study area has a historically high maternal mortality ratio, with a rate of 630 per 100,000 live births reported in a prior study. Conclusion: While most women attended ANC, significant barriers related to accessibility, cost, and sociocultural factors persist. Interventions should focus on female education, subsidized services, improving rural infrastructure, and promoting male involvement to enhance ANC utilization.