High antenatal care coverage and low skilled attendance in a rural Tanzanian district

This study was conducted between 2007 and 2008 in a rural district of northern Tanzania to investigate why there was a high level of antenatal care (ANC) attendance but low delivery in health facilities, which is the only place with skilled delivery attendants.Beliefs and behaviour related to ANC, labour, delivery and the postnatal period were explored using qualitative interviews and group discussions. Findings highlight women were attending ANC to get assurance that all was well with their pregnancy so they can deliver at home.

This perception is reinforced by providers’ failure to consistently communicate the importance of skilled delivery attendance. The report provides recommendations to achieving the full implementation of Tanzania’s Focused Antenatal Care Package through improved training and monitoring of health care providers, and greater family participation in antenatal care visits.To read the full article, click here. No subscription or payment required.Magoma, M., Requejo, J., Campbell, O. M. R., Cousens, S., & Filippi, V. (2010). High ANC coverage and low skilled attendance in a rural Tanzanian district: a case for implementing a birth plan intervention. BMC pregnancy and childbirth, 10(13).