Health Systems Strengthening Integrated Model in Improving the Uptake and Quality of Ante-Natal Care services in Bungoma County, Kenya.
1
Health Systems Policy and Research, Tropical Institute of Community Health and Development in Africa, Kisumu, Kenya
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Attending at least four antenatal care visits is essential for good maternal and child health outcomes. Achieving these outcomes in Kenya remains a challenge. This study examines the impact of an intervention study in improving Ante Natal Care (ANC) services in Bungoma County. The County lagged behind IN the national trend in key maternal health indicators. High maternal and neonatal deaths were observed and poor health of babies born. This paper describes results of the impact of ANC services intervention in Bungoma County.
METHODS:
The study was an ex-post evaluation using a pre-post design with baseline and end-line cross-sectional surveys. The study programme was implemented in six sub-counties. Respondent inclusion criteria were having delivered a live infant, had a stillbirth, or a third-trimester spontaneous abortion within 12 months of the survey. A total of 448 women aged 18–49 years were interviewed.
RESULTS:
Key elements of health system strengthening included reducing cost barriers and enhancing the capacity of the health facilities to deliver high-quality care in the provision of antenatal services. Provision of transport vouchers decreased barriers to accessing care, resulting in an increased number of women seeking services. The intervention improved access to antenatal care, positively impacting the quality of care provision. Beneficiaries of the voucher scheme were poorer women identified in intervention communities. Education and referral by Community Health Workers significantly increased early antenatal attendance among women. The improvement in early ANC attendance was associated with enhanced counselling and referral of pregnant mothers by CHWs. The integrated model improved referral and linkage to health facilities and had a positive impact on quality of care. Activities included demand-creating activities such as reorienting traditional birth attendants into birth companions
CONCLUSIONS:
The health systems strengthening can improve early uptake and quality of ANC services. Reducing cost barriers to generate demand.
Attending at least four antenatal care visits is essential for good maternal and child health outcomes. Achieving these outcomes in Kenya remains a challenge. This study examines the impact of an intervention study in improving Ante Natal Care (ANC) services in Bungoma County. The County lagged behind IN the national trend in key maternal health indicators. High maternal and neonatal deaths were observed and poor health of babies born. This paper describes results of the impact of ANC services intervention in Bungoma County.
METHODS:
The study was an ex-post evaluation using a pre-post design with baseline and end-line cross-sectional surveys. The study programme was implemented in six sub-counties. Respondent inclusion criteria were having delivered a live infant, had a stillbirth, or a third-trimester spontaneous abortion within 12 months of the survey. A total of 448 women aged 18–49 years were interviewed.
RESULTS:
Key elements of health system strengthening included reducing cost barriers and enhancing the capacity of the health facilities to deliver high-quality care in the provision of antenatal services. Provision of transport vouchers decreased barriers to accessing care, resulting in an increased number of women seeking services. The intervention improved access to antenatal care, positively impacting the quality of care provision. Beneficiaries of the voucher scheme were poorer women identified in intervention communities. Education and referral by Community Health Workers significantly increased early antenatal attendance among women. The improvement in early ANC attendance was associated with enhanced counselling and referral of pregnant mothers by CHWs. The integrated model improved referral and linkage to health facilities and had a positive impact on quality of care. Activities included demand-creating activities such as reorienting traditional birth attendants into birth companions
CONCLUSIONS:
The health systems strengthening can improve early uptake and quality of ANC services. Reducing cost barriers to generate demand.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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