Providing antenatal services in a primary health care system

A study sample of 880 women attending the primary health care center in the Al-Baha region of Saudi Arabia was interviewed on their attitudes towards antenatal care services in the primary care setting. Some 91.3% of the women expressed positive views about obtaining the antenatal care in these centers. The major factor influencing their choice was the geographic location of primary health centers which are near to their residence and therefore more convenient for them to patronize. Other factors were the easier access to staff in primary care centers, especially mid-wives and female doctors. There was a significant relationship of age, parity and education with their current antenatal and delivery practices. The women also recommended less than ten antenatal visits before delivery. These findings are relevant to any policy regarding maternity services in the country.