FACTORS INFLUENCING UTILISATION OF ANTENATAL SERVICES TO IMPROVE LIVELIHOOD AMONG PREGNANT FEMALES OF REPRODUCTIVE AGE ATTENDING MUHOZA HEALTH CENTER IN MUSANZE DISTRICT

Abstract: Background: Adequate antenatal care (ANC) is crucial for reducing maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. Identifying utilization patterns and associated factors informs targeted interventions to improve maternal health outcomes. This study assessed the prevalence of ANC utilization and identified demographic, accessibility, sociocultural, and knowledge-related factors influencing completion of at least four ANC visits among pregnant women attending Muhoza Health Center, Rwanda. Methods: A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 427 pregnant women using structured questionnaires. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square (χ²) tests, with significance set at p<0.05. Results: The prevalence of completing ≥4 ANC visits was 91%. Utilization was significantly associated with age (χ²=56.18, p<0.01), education level (χ²=63.34, p<0.01), marital status (χ²=145.72, p<0.01), and occupation (χ²=30.23, p<0.01). Accessibility factors, including pregnancy type (χ²=37.10, p<0.01) and waiting time (χ²=68.94, p<0.01), were significant predictors, while booking trimester and health insurance showed no significant effect. Trust in health workers (χ²=91.21, p<0.01), knowledge of ANC visits (χ²=163.37, p<0.01), and knowledge of optimal booking time (χ²=75.24, p<0.01) strongly influenced attendance. Religion and household decision-making were not significantly associated (p>0.05). Conclusion: ANC utilization at Muhoza Health Center exceeded national averages. Demographic factors, accessibility, trust, and knowledge significantly influenced attendance. Interventions should focus on younger, less-educated, and other lower-utilization groups, enhancing education, accessibility, and trust to ensure equitable maternal health service coverage. Keywords: Antenatal care, Utilization, Maternal health, Rwanda, Knowledge and attitudes. Title: FACTORS INFLUENCING UTILISATION OF ANTENATAL SERVICES TO IMPROVE LIVELIHOOD AMONG PREGNANT FEMALES OF REPRODUCTIVE AGE ATTENDING MUHOZA HEALTH CENTER IN MUSANZE DISTRICT Author: Jean d' Amour HABUMUGISHA, Maurice B. Silali International Journal of Healthcare Sciences ISSN 2348-5728 (Online) Vol. 13, Issue 2, October 2025 - March 2026 Page No: 9-16 Research Publish Journals Website: www.researchpublish.com Published Date: 17-October-2025 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17376709 Paper Download Link (Source) https://www.researchpublish.com/papers/factors-influencing-utilisation-of-antenatal-services-to-improve-livelihood-among-pregnant-females-of-reproductive-age-attending-muhoza-health-center-in-musanze-district