RESUMO
Aims: We aimed at assessing perception and effect of free maternal health services on the utilization of ANC services among women of child bearing age. Study Design: A cross-sectional study involving 460 women aged 15-49 years who were currently pregnant or had their most recent birth within the previous five years prior the survey was conducted using a two-stage sampling technique. Place of Study: Rural and semi-urban communities in Ondo State, Nigeria. Methodology: We administered semi-structured interviewer questionnaire. Knowledge was classified as good if knowledge score is higher or equal to the mean score obtained from this study and poor if otherwise. A 5-point likert scale was used to measure respondents’ perception. Respondents with scores less than the mean perception score from this study were classified as having negative perception and positive if otherwise. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests and logistic regression model were used for data analysis and significance level was set at P = .05. Results: Mean age, knowledge score and perception score of the respondents were 29.8±7.3 years, 6.0±1.2 and 29.6±6.0 respectively. Overall, 95.4% had utilized ANC facilities. Highest proportions (55.0%) of those utilizing ANC were aged 20- 30years.About two fifth (40.8%) reported that free ANC services was the main reason for choosing public ANC facilities. Almost two-third (63.0%) of the respondents had good knowledge of ANC, while about 35.9%had positive perception towards free ANC services. Higher utilization of ANC services was observed among married or cohabiting women than the singles and widows (P = .04). Logistic regression showed that Respondents’ knowledge was significantly influenced by respondents’ occupation, previous pregnancies, and religion. Conclusion: Perception of women on free ANC utilization in the study area was negative although free ANC program instituted by government across the state enhanced ANC utilization. The government should sustain the policy on free maternal health services.