Abstract
Background: ANC (Antenatal Care) services can help identify and manage early pregnancy risks and provide access to essential preventive and
counseling services. The objective of this study was to evaluate ANC visit attendance, visit timing and quality, and factors associated with poor
attendance among pregnant women. Method: This study comprised 210 pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic, who were interviewed
using a structured questionnaire, which included items related to sociodemographic characteristics, obstetric history, household income, access to
health services, partner's support, and ANC utilization. Data were analysed with SPSS version 26.0. Chi-square or Fisher's exact tests were used for
the assessment of associations, subsequently analyzed by multivariable logistic regression. Results: Overall, 144 women (68.6%) attended four or
more ANC visits, while 66 women (31.4%) attended fewer than four ANC visits. 128 women (61.0%) reported being registered for a first-trimester
pregnancy. Financial limitations (28.8%) and out-of-the-way distance to the health facility (24.2%) were the most common obstacles reported. In
multivariable analysis, low maternal education (AOR=3.46, 95% CI: 1.78–6.74; p<0.001), low household income (AOR=2.88, 95% CI: 1.46–5.69;
p=0.002), travel time of at least 30 minutes (AOR=2.41, 95% CI: 1.23–4.71; p=0.010), lack of partner support (AOR=2.26, 95% CI: 1.09–4.67; p=0.028),
and multiparity (AOR=1.98, 95% CI: 1.01–3.88; p=0.046) independently predicted inadequate attendance. Conclusion: Almost one-third of the
participants did not attend the recommended minimum institutional visits for ANC. Enhanced maternal education, financial support, geographic
access, and partner engagement can improve timely and sustained ANC attendance.