Factors Influencing Antenatal Care Initiation During the First Trimester Among Pregnant Women in Semi-Urban Communities of South-East Nigeria

Background

Early initiation of antenatal care is essential for improving maternal and neonatal outcomes through timely detection and management of pregnancy-related complications. However, many pregnant women in Nigeria initiate antenatal care late despite national and international recommendations. Delayed booking limits opportunities for preventive interventions, health education, and risk screening. Socioeconomic status, educational attainment, cultural beliefs, healthcare accessibility, and quality of services may influence antenatal care utilization. Although several studies have examined antenatal attendance, evidence specifically addressing first-trimester initiation remains limited in many semi-urban settings. Understanding factors associated with early antenatal care utilization is important for designing interventions that improve maternal healthcare-seeking behaviour. This study aims to investigate factors influencing first-trimester antenatal care initiation among pregnant women in South-East Nigeria.

Research Objectives

• Determine the prevalence of first-trimester antenatal care initiation.
• Assess socio-demographic factors associated with early antenatal booking.
• Evaluate healthcare accessibility factors influencing antenatal care initiation.
• Examine the role of maternal knowledge on antenatal care utilization.
• Identify predictors of first-trimester antenatal care attendance.

Research Questions

• What proportion of women initiate antenatal care during the first trimester?
• Which socio-demographic factors influence early antenatal booking?
• How does healthcare accessibility affect antenatal care initiation?
• What role does maternal knowledge play in early antenatal attendance?
• Which factors independently predict first-trimester booking?

Suggested Methodology

Suggested Sample

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