Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices of Pregnant Women Towards Antenatal Care in Tertiary Care Hospital Somalia: A Prospective Study

Abstract

Introduction: All women, regardless of their pregnancies, deserve high-quality maternal services during pregnancy, delivery, and afterward. This study aims to evaluate the knowledge and attitude of pregnant women toward antenatal care.  Materials and Methods: A prospective study was carried out among pregnant women attending at obstetrics outpatient department of Mogadishu Somali Turkish Training and Research Hospital. The sample was obtained using random sampling methods. In addition, information was gathered using a structured interview schedule between August and October 2022. Results: The majority (63.3%) of respondents were aged between 20 and 24, while 21% were between the ages of 25 and 29, and 8% were between the ages of 30 and 34. One hundred sixty-five pregnant women had primary school education, 31% had secondary education, 15% had a university education, and 11% were illiterate. Only 252 (63.3%) correctly identified the first prenatal check-up within three months. Conclusion: According to the findings, most of the study's participants had a high level of knowledge and good practices, and most had a favorable opinion about ANC. The Federal Ministry of Health's public health department should strengthen national health education programs to promote antenatal care.