Evaluation of the antenatal care services in three health centers.

Abdel-Magied, Ahmed

Evaluation of the Antenatal Care Services in Three Health Centers Abdel Maged, Ahmed; Altyeb, Abeer; Ahmed, Hadeel; Mahamed, Hiba (School of Family Sciences, Ahfad University for Women)

This study is part of a research project that aims at an overall evaluation of the antenatal care services in the Sudan.

In this study the antenatal care services in three health centers were investigated. The target groups were 150 pregnant women (50 from each health centre) plus the health providers and selected staff members from the three health centers. Primary data was collected through a designed and pre-tested questionnaire for pregnant women and a check list of questions for the health providers and other staff members of the three health centers. The collected data from pregnant women was manually analyzed and the results were presented in form of tables of frequency and percentage. The feed back from the health providers and other staff members was also recorded descriptively.

The study revealed that the majority of pregnant respondents from the three health centers were within the age group 18-30 years. A good percentage (40-44%) had low monthly family income (200,000-300,000 L.S) and the cost of visiting the centers(31,000-50,000 L.S) was too high for their income.

The attitude of the doctors and technicians towards the respondents was fairly good and their availability in the centers was reasonable. Laboratory investigations were conducted in a reasonable time and seeing the doctor was always in the same day.

Specialized nutritionists and psychologists were generally not available and if available were not involved in antenatal care services. Although the standard of cleanliness in the centers was high, yet adequate conveniences were not available. Follow-up cards system was available and the cards were kept by the pregnant women. However, personal file for proper follow-up were not available in the three centers.

Relevant recommendations were made to include improved laboratory facilities, regular visits and check up and establishment of personal file system to conform to WHO standards.