Factors associated with antenatal care utilisation among women of reproductive age in sub-saharan africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis from 2015-2025
1
School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
2
Research and development division, Kintampo Health Research Centre, Kitampo, Ghana
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):A3737
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Despite WHO recommendations, antenatal care (ANC) use among women in Sub-Saharan Africa remains low. ANC is essential for improving maternal and neonatal health by addressing and reducing related deaths. We conducted a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analyses to examine the factors associated ANC utilization in Sub-Saharan Africa from 2016 to 2025.
METHODS:
This systematic review and meta-analysis research included studies focusing on women of reproductive age who were pregnant or had given birth within 5 years preceding the time of the study. Data was from studies published between 2016-2025. We searched PubMed, EBSCO-Host, ProQuest, SABINET African Journals, and Scopus using relevant keywords. We further searched in Google scholar using triangulations. Two reviewers independently assessed and extracted data using the Joanna Briggs Institute System for the Unified Management Assessment and Review Information (JBI SUMARI). A random effects model was employed for meta-analysis focusing on ANC attendance, timing, and visit frequency. Heterogeneity was assessed with Cochran Q test and I2 statistics, publication bias was evaluated using funnel plots and Egger’s test at a 95% confidence interval and p-value at 0.05. significance level.
RESULTS:
We included 15 observational cross-sectional studies from 14 Sub-Saharan African countries. Pooled prevalence showed that ANC attendance was 59.1% (95% CI: 39.0%-79.3%), optimal timing was 36.8% (95% CI: 29.0%-44.6%), and the optimal number of visits was 20.3% (95% CI: 14.4%-26.2%). The frequency of reporting on associated factors as reported by the respective studies were: maternal age (100%), maternal education (93.3%), wealth index (73.3%), marital status (80%), residence (100%), and parity (60%).
CONCLUSIONS:
This review highlights the prevalence of ANC utilization and associated factors, emphasizing socio-demographic, economic, and healthcare determinants. The findings urge policymakers and healthcare providers in SSA to implement multifaceted strategies to overcome barriers and improve ANC access, promoting equitable maternal healthcare. Protocol PROSPERO Registration: CRD42024478260
Despite WHO recommendations, antenatal care (ANC) use among women in Sub-Saharan Africa remains low. ANC is essential for improving maternal and neonatal health by addressing and reducing related deaths. We conducted a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analyses to examine the factors associated ANC utilization in Sub-Saharan Africa from 2016 to 2025.
METHODS:
This systematic review and meta-analysis research included studies focusing on women of reproductive age who were pregnant or had given birth within 5 years preceding the time of the study. Data was from studies published between 2016-2025. We searched PubMed, EBSCO-Host, ProQuest, SABINET African Journals, and Scopus using relevant keywords. We further searched in Google scholar using triangulations. Two reviewers independently assessed and extracted data using the Joanna Briggs Institute System for the Unified Management Assessment and Review Information (JBI SUMARI). A random effects model was employed for meta-analysis focusing on ANC attendance, timing, and visit frequency. Heterogeneity was assessed with Cochran Q test and I2 statistics, publication bias was evaluated using funnel plots and Egger’s test at a 95% confidence interval and p-value at 0.05. significance level.
RESULTS:
We included 15 observational cross-sectional studies from 14 Sub-Saharan African countries. Pooled prevalence showed that ANC attendance was 59.1% (95% CI: 39.0%-79.3%), optimal timing was 36.8% (95% CI: 29.0%-44.6%), and the optimal number of visits was 20.3% (95% CI: 14.4%-26.2%). The frequency of reporting on associated factors as reported by the respective studies were: maternal age (100%), maternal education (93.3%), wealth index (73.3%), marital status (80%), residence (100%), and parity (60%).
CONCLUSIONS:
This review highlights the prevalence of ANC utilization and associated factors, emphasizing socio-demographic, economic, and healthcare determinants. The findings urge policymakers and healthcare providers in SSA to implement multifaceted strategies to overcome barriers and improve ANC access, promoting equitable maternal healthcare. Protocol PROSPERO Registration: CRD42024478260
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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