The study sought to determine the level at which pregnant women utilize ANC services,
reasons contributing to low level of attendance and the consequences of low level of
attendance. A cross sectional quantitative study was conducted which included pregnant
mothers at any gestation. Structured questionnaires were used to obtain information from
study participants. In the present study, low utilization of ANC services among pregnant
women was determined based on number of visits. SPSS software was used to generate
descriptive statistics and cross tabulations. Almost all (96%) participating women had at least
some knowledge of ANC also 85% of participating mothers agreed that ANC would enable
them to receive vaccines, supplements and malaria prophylaxis. on average, only 16% of
women used the full content of antenatal care. Only 12% of women had a urine sample taken,
28% a blood sample taken, and all women had their blood pressure measured. All women
took iron supplements, 27% were given drugs for intestinal parasites. The utilization of the
content of care was significantly associated with education of the mother and her partner,
wealth status, location disparities, timing and frequency of antenatal visits. The study has
shown that majority of participating mothers knew the importance of ANC. low utilization of
ANC among pregnant women showed to be influenced by high parity, long distance, seeking
permission and pregnancy associated beliefs notably witch craft. So, efforts are needed to
educate girls beyond secondary level, establish village outreach clinics with qualified staff
to attract the hard-to-reach women in the rural areas, and facilitate ANC utilization
irrespective of the ability to pay.
Keywords: Pregnant Women, Attendance, Utilization, Antenatal care, Supplement.

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