Provincial differences in the number of antenatal care visits for pregnant women in South Africa: evidence from the 2016 South African Demographic and Health Survey.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to analyse the levels of antenatal care in South Africa, investigate the provincial differences in antenatal care visits, and examine the sociodemographic and socioeconomic factors associated with antenatal care visits in South Africa. Producing these will makes it possible for the government to have a more justice focused approach to undertaking antenatal care services in every place of need, which will in turn make previously underprivileged groups receive greater priority when addressing increase in antenatal care services. This study used the 2016 South Africa Demographic and Health Survey. Univariate, bivariate, and multivariate analysis was conducted using Stata 14. The findings of this study revealed a significant association between provinces and antenatal care visits and that there are differences between provinces in terms of number of antenatal care visits. Maternal age, maternal population group, and maternal place of residence were also significantly associated with the maternal report of four or more antenatal care visits. Based on the objectives of this study, this study suggested that there should be a special focus on provinces that are geographically challenged and socioeconomically lagging to address inequalities, mobile clinics should be placed in rural areas, and lastly, further research should be conducted.