Socio-Cultural Factors Influencing the Utilization of Antenatal Health Care Services in Pageri Administrative Area, South Sudan

Abstract

In order to maintain good maternal health and reduce the risk of morbidity and deaths in mothers and newborns, access to appropriate prenatal care (ANC) is essential.South Sudan's health indicators are among the lowest in the world because of a weak health system and confluence of political, socio-cultural, and economic issues.In South Sudan, the ANC package begins in Primary Health Care Units (PHCUs) and Primary Health Care Centres (PHCC).In addition to identifying pregnant women and increasing public awareness of the importance of starting and adhering to ANC early, the PHCUs and PHCC also offer services to prevent HIV transmission from mother to child, treat and prevent STDs, provide nutrition counselling and micronutrient supplements, identify and refer high-risk women, and conduct monthly outreach clinics.We explored the role of social-cultural factors on utilization of ante-natal healthcare services among women in South Sudan, using data from a cross-sectional study of 2022.A total of 118 women of childbearing age (15 -49 years) were randomly selected from three payams of Nimule, Pageri and Mugali.Pretested semi-structured questionnaires and key informants checklist were applied to collect qualitative data from key informant interviews and focus group discussions.Content analysis method was applied to determine the utilization of Ante-Natal Care (ANC).The study findings show that ANC utilization was negatively influenced by cultural beliefs, norms, religion and role of husbands.Therefore, socio-cultural factors are matters of concern that should be integrated into Maternal Child Health programmes for healthy pregnancies and affirmative birth outcomes in South Sudan.It is recommended that policies should put emphasis on antenatal healthcare so that the country's population is maintained.