Socio-Cultural and Healthcare Barriers to Timely Antenatal Care Initiation Among Rural Ghanaian Women

This study investigates the factors influencing late initiation of antenatal care (ANC) among pregnant women in the Wa East District of Ghana, where maternal health outcomes remain a public health priority. Despite extensive evidence linking timely ANC to reduced maternal and neonatal mortality, late ANC attendance persists, especially in low-resource settings. Employing a facility-based cross-sectional study design, 405 pregnant women attending ANC were surveyed to identify socio-demographic, cultural, and healthcare service-related determinants of late ANC initiation. Findings reveal that older age, lower educational levels, farming occupations, and male-dominated decision-making significantly delay ANC attendance. Additionally, negative healthcare provider attitudes and geographical barriers further impede early ANC uptake. Regression analysis indicates that Muslim women and those with higher parity had markedly higher odds of late ANC initiation, while respectful healthcare provider attitudes and health education interventions reduced these odds. The study underscores the multifaceted barriers to timely ANC, emphasizing the need for culturally sensitive, community-based interventions involving male partners in maternal health education. Strategies to enhance respectful maternal care and improve healthcare access in remote settings are recommended as critical to fostering early ANC initiation. By addressing both socio-cultural and service-related barriers, this research contributes valuable insights for policymakers, healthcare providers, and community leaders aiming to improve maternal healthcare access and outcomes. Future research should explore the impact of male-inclusive health education and community health worker outreach on ANC attendance, fostering a robust understanding of effective maternal health interventions in rural Ghana and similar low-resource settings.

This study investigates the factors influencing late initiation of antenatal care (ANC) among pregnant women in the Wa East District of Ghana, where maternal health outcomes remain a public health priority. Despite extensive evidence linking timely ANC to reduced maternal and neonatal mortality, late ANC attendance persists, especially in low-resource settings. Employing a facility-based cross-sectional study design, 405 pregnant women attending ANC were surveyed to identify socio-demographic, cultural, and healthcare service-related determinants of late ANC initiation. Findings reveal that older age, lower educational levels, farming occupations, and male-dominated decision-making significantly delay ANC attendance. Additionally, negative healthcare provider attitudes and geographical barriers further impede early ANC uptake. Regression analysis indicates that Muslim women and those with higher parity had markedly higher odds of late ANC initiation, while respectful healthcare provider attitudes and health education interventions reduced these odds. The study underscores the multifaceted barriers to timely ANC, emphasizing the need for culturally sensitive, community-based interventions involving male partners in maternal health education. Strategies to enhance respectful maternal care and improve healthcare access in remote settings are recommended as critical to fostering early ANC initiation. By addressing both socio-cultural and service-related barriers, this research contributes valuable insights for policymakers, healthcare providers, and community leaders aiming to improve maternal healthcare access and outcomes. Future research should explore the impact of male-inclusive health education and community health worker outreach on ANC attendance, fostering a robust understanding of effective maternal health interventions in rural Ghana and similar low-resource settings.