Factors influencing low antenatal care visit coverage

Abstract

Adequate antenatal care (ANC) is essential for reducing maternal morbidity and mortality, yet utilization remains suboptimal in remote areas of Indonesia. This study aimed to identify factors associated with low ANC visit coverage among pregnant women in the service area of the West Simeulue Community Health Center, Indonesia. A community-based analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among 67 third-trimester pregnant women selected using total population sampling. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed using the Chi-square test at a 95% confidence level, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. ANC visit coverage was significantly associated with maternal knowledge (p = 0.001), husband’s support (p < 0.001), and healthcare workers’ role (p = 0.030). In contrast, access to information was not significantly associated with ANC visit coverage (p = 0.096). Maternal knowledge, husband’s support, and healthcare worker involvement were significantly associated with ANC utilization among pregnant women in West Simeulue. Strengthening maternal health education, encouraging husband and family involvement, and expanding healthcare workers’ outreach activities may improve ANC utilization in underserved communities and support better maternal health outcomes.