Factors Affecting to Mother's Prenatal Care Utilization in Democratic Republic of Congo: Focused on Kenge, Boko Health Zone

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This study aims to identify factors affecting more than four times prenatal care utilization among reproductive aged women in Democratic Republic of Congo. METHODS: This was a cross sectional study conducted in Democratic Republic of Congo in July, 2014. Survey was done among 494 respondents, data were analyzed using SPSS 21.0. RESULTS: Multiple logistic regression showed an association between age (OR1.037) in predisposing factor, women who have health insurance in their household (OR2.876) and timing of first prenatal visit (OR7.148) in enabling factors and number of delivery 3~5 times (OR0.587) more than 6 times (OR0.357) in need factor with more than four times prenatal visits. CONCLUSION: Maternal health improvement interventions should focus on education for women who are younger and multiparous. Early detection of pregnancy and encourage to visit in first trimester are needed. Finally, introduction of the health insurance system is important to minimize cost of out of pocket.