Utilization of antenatal care services and associated factors among urban refugee adolescents in Kampala, Uganda

TL;DR

This study examines antenatal care use among urban refugee adolescents in Kampala, Uganda, finding that while most attend some care, utilization is sub-optimal and influenced by factors like marriage and family structure.

Contribution

The study provides insights into antenatal care utilization patterns and associated factors among urban refugee adolescents in Kampala, highlighting gaps in care and potential intervention areas.

Findings

92.6% of urban refugee adolescents attended at least one ANC visit, but only 11.5% attended the recommended eight visits.

Being married and living in an extended family were associated with higher ANC utilization.

Only 41% attended the initial ANC visit within the first trimester.

Abstract

Uganda hosts an estimated 1.5 million refugees and 12.5% are urban refugees living in Kampala. Uganda is implementing an integrated healthcare system in which refugees and host populations utilize the same health care services.

To assess the level of utilization of antenatal care services and associated factors among urban refugee adolescents in Kampala, Uganda.

We conducted a cross-sectional study among 637 urban refugees who were adolescent mothers aged 10-19 years. Participants were interviewed using ODK software. The data were analyzed using Stata version 17. Uni-variate, bi-variate and multivariate analyses were performed, and the results reported as proportions, p values, odds ratios and confidence intervals.

Most (92.6%) had attended at least one ANC visit, however only a few (11.5%) attended the recommended WHO 8 visits. Less than half (41%) attended the initial ANC visit within the first trimester. The factors associated with ANC utilization included being married and living in an extended family. The factors associated with ANC attendance in the first trimester included being married, education and duration of stay in the area.

Utilization of ANC by urban refugee adolescents in Kampala is sub-optimal. There is a need for targeted interventions to encourage adolescent refugees to utilize antenatal care services optimally.