First Trimester Antenatal Care Utilization and Associated Factors among Adolescent Mothers in Rwanda

First trimester antenatal care (ANC) initiation has been shown to improve the health outcomes for both mothers and unborn children. This study aimed at determining the prevalence of first trimester ANC use and associated factors among adolescent mothers in Rwanda.

This study was a cross-sectional study and analyzed the data of 6^th Rwanda demographic and health survey (RDHS 2019-2020). Proportion, bivariate and multivariable analysis were employed to identify factors associated with first ANC use.

The prevalence of first trimester antenatal care utilization among 354 adolescent mothers was 46%. Advanced age (AOR=1.82; 95%CI = 1.096-2.305), secondary education level (AOR=1.36; 95%CI = 1.080 - 1.960), coming to rich family (AOR = 2.10; 95%CI = 1.830 - 5.162), residing near health facility (AOR=1.17; 95%CI= 1.065 - 2.011), permitted to go to health facility (AOR=2.13; 95%CI = 1.857 - 3.363) were positively associated with ANC services use. However, the negative association was found with later pregnancy desire (AOR = 0.42; 95%CI = 0.149 - 0.781).

The prevalence of first trimester ANC was low. In view of that, more effort should be made to increase adolescent mothers' knowledge regarding the ANC services utilization and timely booking.