Résumé
Objective: Aim of this study was to access of awareness, existing knowledge and practices related to the utilization of ANC and service, among the women of suburban areas of the city of Karachi
Methods: A cross-sectional study of all booked pregnant women, attending the antenatal booking clinic and came for follow-up, at Korangi Industrial Area of Karachi, Jinnah Medical college hospital, Karachi were included. This institutional based study was done from 1st October 2014 to 1st March 2015 by means of a questionnaire. Using SPSS-20 statistical analysis was done. Chi-square test was used where appropriate and p<0.05 was considered significant. Institutional ethical approval was taken and informed consent from the patients included in the study
Results: A total no of pregnant women [n=662] were interviewed, while only 78 [11.8%] were reported timely visited. Parameters like younger age [p<0.0001], formale ducation of women [p<0.0001], education of husband [p<0.0001], wealth index [p<0.000], previous experience of care [p<0.0001] and planned pregnancies [p<0.039] were incorporated in the study. As these parameters, were considered basic and related with more positive attitude towards ANC
Conclusion: Our study shows that the timely utilization of ANC services was very low. There is need for enhancing awareness about the importance of early initiation and utilization of maternal care services