Inadequate antenatal care is a pressing issue, especially in low- and middle-income countries, where many pregnant women struggle to meet the recommended number of visits. This study focuses on the Central Hospital of Yaoundé in Cameroon, aiming to identify maternal factors associated with inadequate antenatal contacts (IANC).
The research reveals a high prevalence of IANC, with 70.5% of participants falling into this category. The study highlights that women delivering before 40 weeks of gestation are at a significantly higher risk, being 10.6 times more likely to experience IANC. Additionally, referred women and unmarried women are also at increased risk, with 5.4 and 2.5 times higher likelihood, respectively.
The findings emphasize the need to address these risk factors to improve birth outcomes and reduce preventable neonatal and maternal mortality. It is crucial to support all pregnant women, especially those who are unmarried and less educated, in accessing the recommended eight antenatal contacts. This support should be comprehensive, involving multiple stakeholders and civil society organizations, to ensure a systemic and structural approach.
The study also sheds light on the importance of education and socioeconomic status. Women with higher levels of education and those from higher socioeconomic backgrounds are more likely to receive adequate antenatal care. This highlights the need for targeted interventions to ensure equal access to healthcare for all pregnant women, regardless of their background.
However, the study has its limitations, including a small sample size and a cross-sectional design, which hinder the establishment of cause-and-effect relationships. To address these limitations, a larger, prospective cohort study is recommended to gain a clearer understanding of the timeline of events and to generalize the findings at a national level.
In conclusion, this study highlights the urgent need to address inadequate antenatal care in Cameroon, particularly among women delivering prematurely, those who are referred, and unmarried women. By supporting these vulnerable groups and ensuring equal access to healthcare, we can work towards improving birth outcomes and reducing preventable maternal and neonatal deaths.
