Gestational age at first antenatal visit in Namibia

Area of Science:

• Maternal Health
• Public Health
• Demography

Background:

• Timely antenatal care (ANC) is crucial for identifying and managing pregnancy risks.
• Many women in Namibia face delays in initiating ANC services.
• Pregnancy intention is a potential factor influencing healthcare-seeking behavior during pregnancy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between pregnancy intention and the timing of the first antenatal visit.
• To identify factors influencing gestational age at first ANC visit in Namibia.

Main Methods:

• Secondary data analysis of the 2013 Namibia Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS).
• Application of log-normal survival models to assess the impact of pregnancy intention.
• Control for sociodemographic and socioeconomic covariates.

Main Results:

• Unwanted pregnancies were significantly associated with delayed initiation of antenatal care (ANC).
• Other key factors influencing gestational age at first ANC visit included contact with health workers, health insurance, media exposure, birth order, relationship to household head, maternal education, and urban residence.

Conclusions:

• Reducing unintended pregnancies through enhanced family planning services may decrease ANC delays.
• Empowering women with education and resources can encourage prompt initiation of antenatal care.
• Addressing barriers to timely ANC is essential for improving maternal and child health outcomes in Namibia.