Assess Quality of Antenatal Care Services in Public Health Facilities in Baidoa district of the Bay region

ABSTRACT Background: Antenatal care is one of the evidence-based interventions to decrease the probability of negative health outcomes for mothers and their newborns. This depends on the quality of care provided during each antenatal care visit. However, little is known about quality of antenatal care service in public health facilities in Baidoa District of the Bay region. The aim of this study was to assess quality of antenatal care services in public health facilities in Baidoa District of the Bay region. Methods: A facility-based cross sectional study design using quantitative and qualitative data conducted from Sep to Nov 2023. Quality of care was measured as a proportion of patients receiving recommended components of care. A total of 368 pregnant women during the study period were interviewed through exit interview. Observation of health care providers was performed during 30 consultations. Data were analyzed using SPSS for windows (SPSS 20.0). Result: this study showed that the overall level of quality of antenatal care services was 34.1% (14/41)and it was found to be of poor quality. The most frequently identified barrier was inability to take fullhistory, lack of proper counseling, poor healthcare provider, and improper registration. Quality ofantenatal care was significantly associated with residence, educational status gravidity, parity, and visit. Conclusion: the overall quality of antenatal care is low, so the health facilities need further modification on the identified problems. Recommendation: Regular performance of quality of antenatal care and implementing clients suggestedpoints on improvement and in service training of health care provider working in ANC clinic is essential. Keywords: Good quality: If the health institution provides> 75% the necessary FANC content of services, provide education on danger sign, orient on birth preparedness, provide basic preventive and therapeutic care. Poor quality: If the health institution provides<74% the necessary FANC services, not provide education on danger sign, orient on birth preparedness, did not provide basic preventive and therapeutic car