Abstract
M.Cur.
Appropriate antenatal care (ANC) is key for the health of mother and child. ANC is one of the means to reduce maternal mortality and morbidity with interventions and information that promote the health, wellbeing and survival of mothers and their babies. The aim of this research was to explore and describe mothers’ experiences regarding the utilisation of ANC services Ekurhuleni clinics and to make recommendations to improve these services. The question that this research study aimed to answer was: What is the experience of mothers regarding the utilisation of antenatal services in Ekurhuleni?
A qualitative, exploratory, descriptive and contextual research method was followed. Purposive sampling was used to select unbooked pregnant women as well as pregnant women who had attended an antenatal care clinic fewer than four times. Data were collected by means of in-depth semi-structured interviews using a tape recorder. Field notes were taken. The results were analysed through content analysis. Trustworthiness was ensured through credibility, conformability, transformability and dependability. The ethical aspects of a scientific enquiry involving human beings were adhered to at all times in this study.
The results of the study indicate that most women initiated ANC later that the recommendation by the World Health Organisation. Five themes, namely, knowledge about ANC services, reasons for late booking, relationship with health care professionals, communication, and satisfaction with antenatal care, emerged. Related categories and sub-categories were identified during data analysis. Most participants had good knowledge on when to initiate ANC and the importance of early ANC attendance and follow-up visits. Their knowledge included monitoring the wellbeing of the baby by checking baby’s heartbeat and position. Participants gave reasons for late booking which included personal and health care facility reasons such as ignorance and being lazy to go to the clinic, as well as long queues at the clinic. Some participants praised the health care team members for quality communication by explaining procedures during care, as well as being helpful and friendly, while other participants indicated the health care professionals were rude, lacked respect and were judgemental. Participants had poor satisfaction regarding ANC services, such as nurses’ attitudes, shortage of human resources and performance of the nurses. The study sheds light on the mothers’ experience regarding ANC, which could help the health care facility planners with strategic planning regarding the improved use of ANC services.