Strategies to improve the coverage of at least four antenatal care visits in Mukono district
Center for Rapid Evidence Synthesis (ACRES)DRRES-39
This Rapid Response should be cited as
ACRES (2019) Strategies to improve the coverage of at least four antenatal care visits in Mukono district;A Rapid Response Brief. Kampala: The Center For Rapid Evidence Synthesis
Summary
Background: Attending more antenatal visits is associated with better maternal and neonatal outcomes. In Mukono district, although over 90% attend one ANC visit, it is estimated that less than 40% make at least four visits. Findings: Strategies to increase coverage of at least four ANC visits include: reducing barriers to access (community mobilisation, home visits, financial incentives), changing the behaviour of pregnant women (SMS reminders, peer mentors), and health system strengthening. Conclusion: Implementing strategies such as text message reminders or using peer mentors showed the most consistent positive effect on ANC coverage.