A Multilevel Bayesian Markov Chain Monte Carlo Poisson Modelling of Factors Associated With Number of Components of Antenatal Care Offered Pregnant Women In Nigeria
Authors: Fagbamigbe Adeniyi Francis , Fagbamigbe Omon Stellamaris , Olaseinde Olugbenga Sunday , Bello Oluwasomidoyin O. , Setlhare Vincent , Nyaberi Jackline Mosinya 
Published: June 2021

Background: The most recent WHO guideline on antenatal care (ANC) utilization reaffirmed the necessary and compulsory care and services a pregnant woman should receive to maximize the importance and gains of ANC. While most studies focused on the time of initiation and number of ANC contacts, emphasis was rarely placed on the components of ANC offered women. This study assessed the number of components of ANC received by pregnant women as a proxy for the quality of ANC services offered in Nigeria. We also assessed the clustering of the components and within-country differentials and inequalities in the components of ANC received in Nigeria.Methods: We used nationally representative cross-sectional data from the 2018 Nigeria Demographic Health Survey. We analysed data of 11867 women who had at least one ANC contacts during the most recent pregnancy within five years preceding the survey. The assessed components were tetanus injection, blood pressure, urine test, blood test, iron supplement, malaria intermittent preventive treatment in pregnancy (IPTp), and told about danger signs. Others are intestinal parasite drugs (IPD)intermittent and HIV/PMTCT counsel. Descriptive statistics, bivariable and multivariable multilevel Bayesian Monte Carlo Poisson model were used. Results: In all, 94% had blood pressure measured, 91% received tetanus injection, had iron supplement-89%, blood test-87%, urine test-86%, IPTp-24%, danger signs-80%, HIV/PMTC-82% and IPD-22%. The overall prevalence of receiving all 9 components was 5% and highest in Ogun (24%) and lowest in Kebbi (0.1%). The earlier the initiation of ANC, the higher the number of contacts, and the higher the quality of ANC received. Respondents with higher education have 4% (adjusted incidence risk ratio (aIRR): 1.04, 95% credible interval (CrI): 1.01-1.09) higher risk of receiving more components of ANC relative to those with no education. The risk of receiving more ANC components were 5% (aIRRR: 1.05, 95% CI: 1.01-1.10) higher among pregnant women aged 40 to 49 years than those aged 15 to 19 years. Women who decide their healthcare utilization alone had 2% higher risk of getting more components than those whose spouses are the only decision taker of health care use. Other significant factors were household wealth status, spouse education, ethnicity, place of ANC, and skill of ANC provider. Pregnant women who had their blood pressure measured were very likely to have blood and urine tests, tetanus injection, iron supplement, and HIV talks.Conclusions: Only one in every 20 pregnant women received all the 9 ANC components with wide disparities and inequalities across the background characteristics and the States of residence in Nigeria. There is a need to ensure that all pregnant women receive adequate components. Stakeholders should increase supplies, train, and create awareness among ANC providers and pregnant women in particular.