Contributing barriers to Defaulting from Antenatal Care Services in Villages Around Addis Ababa: A Qualitative Study

Background: Problems during pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum are the major contributors to maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. Focused antenatal care is an intervention set to provide basic services for pregnant women, to reduce morbidity and mortality related to pregnancy. In Ethiopia, there is a significant antenatal care attendance dropout between the first and fourth visits. The aim of this study is to explore the potential contributing barriers to defaulting from antenatal care services in the country. Methods: : A qualitative research method was used, where 20 in-depth interviews and three focus group discussions were conducted. A qualitative data analysis software, ATLAS.ti 8, was applied. Results: : Low quality antenatal care service which occurs primarily due to shortage of the required drugs, supplies and equipment is a major barrier for sustainable attendance of antenatal care followed by poor care, respect and receptiveness of service providers. Lack and cost of transport as well as partners’ approval and support were also claimed to be part of the major barriers. Community culture and pervious maternal experiences as well as maternal sociodemographic factors like maternal age at time of pregnancy and educational status of mothers were also reported as barriers to the seeking and completion of antenatal care services. Conclusions: : Both demand and supply side barriers play a significant role in the dropout of antenatal care services. Availing good quality antenatal care services, closer to the community by improving the health workforce and supply chain system is recommended.