Antenatal Care Service Utilization and Its Associated Factors Among Somali Women

BACKGROUND: Maternal morbidity and mortality remain high in developing regions due to the consequences of pregnancy and childbirth. There is evidence that antenatal care (ANC) is one of the most effective strategies for reducing maternal mortality in a global context. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate ANC service utilization among Somali women and the effects of general and pregnancy-related characteristics of women, healthcare facility accessibility, and the decision-making status of women on ANC services utilization. METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with 255 Somali women, aged 15–49 years, living in Somalia, who have been married and have a history of childbirth using a convenience sampling procedure through an online survey. The data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science 28 and frequency, percentage, chi-square, and Fisher’s exact test were conducted. RESULTS: About 89.9% of participants had a history of ANC utilization. The educational level of the woman (χ² = 8.901, p =.003), their working status (χ² = 5.452, p =.020), husband’s educational level (χ² = 8.539, p =.003), monthly household income (χ² = 25.870, p <.001), and distance to health facilities (χ² = 18.738, p <.001) showed statistically significant differences in the ANC service utilization among participants. CONCLUSION: Women with secondary or higher educational levels who are working, with educated husbands, have a good household income, and live near the health facility indicated a higher proportion of ANC service utilization. Thus, the study suggests that educating women, supporting the Somali households’ socioeconomic status, increasing the availability of different types of health facilities, and dispatching health workers to areas where health facilities are sparse are equally needed.