TITLE:
Analysing the Factors Affecting Prenatal Visits in Guinea: A Secondary Study of the 2018 Demographic and Health Survey (DHS)
AUTHORS:
Abdourahamane Diallo, Almamy Amara Toure, Aboubacar Sidiki Magassouba, Diao Cisse, Younoussa Sylla, Ibrahima Barry
KEYWORDS:
Determinants, ANC, DHS, Guinea
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology,
Vol.13 No.8,
August
30,
2023
ABSTRACT: Background: Despite persistent efforts to improve maternal health through various
interventions, Guinea faces challenges in achieving adequate antenatal care
coverage (ANC). This study aims to identify the key factors influencing
prenatal consultation in Guinea. Methods: A secondary analysis was
conducted on Guinea’s 2018 Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) data. The study
sample comprised women aged 15 - 49 who
participated in the survey. Logistic regression was employed to identify the
determinants of ANC utilisation. Results: Most women in the sample
(59.1%) were aged between 18 and 30, resided in rural areas (69.8%), had no
formal education (71.0%), had low incomes (43.4%), were married (91.4%), relied
on the radio for information (63.4%), and were employed at the time of the
survey (68.0%). The study identified several factors acting as barriers to
meeting the recommended four ANC visits, including low education levels, with
odds ratios (OR) of 0.43 (p = 0.011) for those with no schooling and 0.48 (p =
0.046) for those with primary-level education. Lack of radio access also
negatively influenced ANC utilisation with an OR of 0.72 (p = 0.012).
Additionally, delayed timing of the first ANC visit in the second trimester had
an OR of 0.36 (p 0.001), while in the third trimester, the OR was 0.04 (p 0.004).
On the other hand, factors that facilitated achieving the recommended four ANC
visits included having an average wealth quintile with an OR of 1.63 (p =
0.002) and being wealthy with an OR of 2.30 (p 0.001). Conclusion: This study underscores the negative association between low education level and
poverty with ANC utilisation among pregnant women in Guinea. These findings
emphasise the need for targeted interventions to address the barriers faced by
vulnerable populations and improve maternal healthcare access and utilisation
in the country.