Abstract
Despite antenatal care services being provided free of charge in most countries, researchers have found that the vast majority of rural women register for antenatal care late and that the reasons for this may differ from those found in developed countries. Late antenatal attendance is linked to maternal and fetal mortality and morbidity. According to The Saving Mothers Report 2015-2016, most pregnant women are still booking late in rural areas: 64% of women in rural areas book after 20 weeks and 20% of those who book early do not complete their eight visits as recommended by WHO. This study aimed to examine the reasons for late initiation of ANC booking among women presenting at an antenatal clinic. The study was conducted in antenatal clinics in the Joe Gqabi district in the Eastern Cape. This district is one of seven districts in the Eastern Cape and comprises the following four local municipalities: Elundani, Garep, Maletswai (Water Sisulu) and Senqu...
M.Cur. (Midwifery and Neonatal Nursing Science)