Determinants for Late Initiation of Antenatal Care

The contextual factors such as low social economic position of most women, congestion and shortages of staff at the only health facility are constraining. The misconceptions of waiting until pregnancy is advanced and expectant mothers' motives are wrong attitudes and such could bring serious maternal complications. Systemic barriers such as congestions and shortages of staff have also a negative effect on the community. Empowerment programs are therefore needed in the community to reduce the existing traditional cultural practices and misconceptions and improve the social economic positions of women, human resource and health infrastructure.

Autorentext

Donald Mukumbuta posseses Master of Science in Epidemiology within University of Zambia and a Degree in Development Studies with medical sociology. He also holds a diploma in General Medical Sciences. Author works at the Ministry of health, Lusaka, Zambia as Malaria Epidemiologist with six years post graduate experience in public health.