Factors in the late onset of the first prenatal consultation (ANC1) among pregnant women in Kenge, Kwango, DRC

Abstract

This study investigated the factors associated with late recourse to the first prenatal consultation among pregnant women attending the Kenge General Referral Hospital. The aim was to identify the factors associated with late completion of ANC 1 in these patients. The study population consisted of 119 pregnant women who consulted for ANC at the Kenge General Referral Hospital between March 1 and June 1, 2020, from whom a sample of 57 subjects was selected. Following analysis of the data, it was observed that 48% of the women attended their first prenatal consultation late. Factors contributing to this delay included age, income level, parity, level of education, occupation, medical history, financial difficulties, lack of medical follow-up during pregnancy, neglect, illness, personal preferences and uncertainty about the pregnancy.