ANTENATAL CARE AND THE INCIDENCE OF MATERNAL AND CHILD MORBIDITY AND MORTALITY AT UNIVERSITY OF PORT HARCOURT TEACHING HOSPITAL

ABSTRACT The main aim of this study was to assess antenatal care (ANC) and the incidence of maternal and child morbidity and mortality at University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Rivers State. This study employed a descriptive survey research design which targeted 50 pregnant women attending antenatal care at the hospital were selected using purposive sampling technique. A self-made questionnaire which consisted of four parts that addressed the research questions and objectives was utilized to gather data. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistical methods. Most of the respondents (35%) are between 26 to 35 years, married (55%), in tertiary school (40%), civil servants (60%) and are Christians (60%). Findings revealed that majority of them were satisfied with the waiting time to see health worker (58.6%), and with the confidentiality and trust in providers (75%). Also, most of them (82%) were satisfied with the overall quality of care rendered during their ANC service. Lastly, 30% of them revealed that bleeding is one of the consequences of irregular antenatal care which always lead to increase in their risk of maternal and fetal mortality and morbidity rate. The study concluded that consequences needs to be checked so as to put a halt to the dangerous effects of maternal morbidity and mortality associated with irregular antenatal care visit. It is recommended that there is a need to review and strengthen reproductive health programs and ensure that they are friendly and are focused on the needs of the women and pregnant mothers. Keywords: antenatal care, maternal and child morbidity, mortality, descriptive survey, Nigeria