Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the knowledge and the utilization of ante natal care (ANC) services by women in child bearing age.
Methodology: This descriptive cross-sectional study used self-designed questionnaire consisting of closed ended questions which were read out to study participants and filled by the surveyor himself. Study included 380 pregnant women of reproductive age (19-45 years), visiting Gynecology & Obstetrics OPD of DHQ Teaching Hospital and Government Haji Abdul Qayyum Teaching Hospital, Sahiwal for their routine antenatal visits. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 17.0.
Results: There was least utilization of ANC services by pregnant ladies due to lack of knowledge of its importance and physically inaccessibility. We found that 277(73%) women availed ANC services in previous pregnancy and 224(59%) women knew about the requirement of folic acid/iron.
Conclusion: Utilization of ANC services is increasing with time due to developmental progress, improving literacy rate and media development. However, more awareness, easy and economical access to ANC services needs be provided, especially in rural areas.

Key words: Antenatal Care, Availability and Access of facilities, Women of childbearing age.