Trends and factors associated with delays in the first prenatal consultation in Guinea

Abstract

Background: The first antenatal care (ANC1) is considered late if it is performed after the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. In Guinea, this phenomenon remains under-analysed.

Aim: The objective of this study is to analyse the trends and factors associated with the delay in performing the ANC1 in Guinea from 2007 to 2018.

Setting: This study was conducted in Guinea.

Methods: A secondary analysis of the 2012 and 2018 Demographic and Health Surveys in Guinea was conducted. The study included women aged 15-49 years who gave birth in the five years prior to the surveys and had at least one ANC visit for their last child. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify associated factors using Stata 17.

Results: This study shows that in Guinea, out of 14 546 women, the overall proportion of the delay in performing the ANC1 between 2007 and 2018 was 73%. The trend of this proportion decreased from 86% in 2007 to 61% in 2010, from 85% in 2013 to 61% in 2016; however, it increased from 61% in 2010 to 85% in 2013 and from 66% in 2016 to 76% in 2018. The factors associated with the delay in performing the ANC1 were: being aged 35–49 years (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 1.36; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.08–1.69); Living in a poor household (AOR: 1.87; 95% CI: 1.64–2.13), living in Boké (AOR: 2.13; 95% CI: 1.58–2.87), and N’zerekore (AOR: 4.97; 95% CI: 3.58–6.91).

Conclusion: We recommend stepping up door-to-door awareness-raising activities by community relays and ensuring that the policy of free antenatal care in Guinea is effective.

Contribution: This study shows a very high prevalence of delay in the ANC1 in Guinea influenced by many factors.