Factors Associated with Optimal Antenatal Care Use among Women of Reproductive Age in South Africa

Mluleki Tsawe, North-West University

Background: Antenatal care plays an important role in monitoring pregnancies, reducing maternal and foetal deaths, and preventing pregnancy-related complications. Despite the introduction of various initiatives in South Africa, many women still do not use optimal antenatal care. This study aims to investigate the factors associated with optimal antenatal care use in this context. Methods: Data from the 2016 South Africa Demographic and Health Survey are analysed. A sample of 2863 women was used to analyse bivariate and binary logistic regression. Results: Optimal antenatal care use was in the Western Cape and Free State, but lower in Northern Cape and Gauteng. Key determinants of optimal antenatal care included age at birth, level of education, child wantedness, household poverty, and province. Conclusion: Socioeconomic and demographic factors significantly influence the use of optimal antenatal care in South Africa. Targeted interventions are needed to address disparities in maternal healthcare access.

Keywords: Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights

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  Presented in Session P3. Gender Dynamic; Human Capital, Education, & Work,; Inequality, Disadvantage & Discrimination, the Demography of Indigenous Populations