Knowledge in Enhancing Antenatal Care Compliance and Improving Maternal and Neonatal Health Outcomes

Background: Antenatal care (ANC) is essential for monitoring maternal and fetal health. Knowledge about ANC significantly influences compliance with recommended visits. This study investigates the relationship between maternal knowledge and compliance with ANC visits among pregnant women at the Pekanbaru City Health Center. Methods: This cross-sectional analytic study was conducted among 35 pregnant women in their third trimester, selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected using validated questionnaires (Cronbach's alpha = 0.987) and health center records. Knowledge was categorized as high or low, based on a mean score of 17.7. Compliance was defined as attending a minimum number of ANC visits across trimesters. Statistical analysis was performed using the chi-square test. Results: Among respondents with high knowledge (n=18), 88.9% adhered to regular ANC visits. Conversely, 91.7% of respondents with low knowledge (n=12) did not comply. The chi-square test revealed a significant association between maternal knowledge and ANC compliance (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Maternal knowledge significantly influences compliance with ANC visits. Women with higher knowledge levels are more likely to adhere to ANC schedules. This underscores the importance of targeted health education programs to improve maternal knowledge and promote regular ANC visits, enhancing maternal and fetal health outcomes.