FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH POOR PREVALENCE AND LATE INITIATION OF ANTENATAL CARE IN RURAL AREAS OF LAHORE, PAKISTAN

Abstract

Background: Antenatal care (ANC) plays a vital role in reducing maternal and infant mortality, yet its utilization remains low in rural Pakistan. Despite pregnancy being a natural condition, over 186 women per 10,000 die from preventable complications. Limited access, poor awareness, and cultural barriers hinder ANC adoption in underserved areas.

Objective: To identify demographic factors and barriers influencing the low utilization of ANC services among pregnant women in rural Lahore, Pakistan.

Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 320 pregnant women in Tehsil Chunian, District Kasur, using a structured questionnaire and convenient sampling from September 2024 to February 2025. Data were analyzed with SPSS version 20.

Results: Most participants (42.9%) were aged 26–35 years, 78.9% were housewives, and 34.3% had no schooling. Over half (53.7%) lived more than 5 km from a health facility. Lack of awareness and distance were major predictors of poor ANC use.

Conclusion: Low ANC utilization is driven by limited access, poverty, cultural constraints, and poor awareness. Culturally tailored interventions and improved healthcare access are essential to enhance maternal and child health outcomes.