Ahmed Abdel Magied; Hameeda Alhadi Hashim; Nahid Abed Elkarim Bashir and Sabah Alhadi Hashim (2006). Evaluation of Antenatal Care Services in Three Health Centers--Case Study: Alhetana, Abdel Monaim and Al Razi Health Centers.

Magied, Ahmed Abdel

Ahmed Abdel Magied; Hameeda Alhadi Hashim; Nahid Abed Elkarim Bashir and Sabah Alhadi Hashim (2006). Evaluation of Antenatal Care Services in Three Health Centers--Case Study: Alhetana, Abdel Monaim and Al Razi Health Centers. School of Health Sciences, Ahfad University for Women. Omdurman.

In this study the ANC services in three health centers were investigated. The target groups were 300 pregnant women (100 from each health center) plus the health providers from the three health centers.

Primary data were collected through designed and pre-tested questionnaires for pregnant women and check list of questions for the health providers and other staff members of the three health centers. The collected data from pregnant women was manually analyzed and the results were presented in the form of tables of frequency and percentage. The feed back from health providers and other staff members was also recorded.

The study revealed that the majority of pregnant respondents from the three health centers were within the age group 19-34 years. A good percentage (60-65%) had low monthly income (100.000-150.000 SDG) and the cost of visiting the centers was average (10.000-15.000 SDG), which was thought suitable for their income.

The attitude of the doctors and technicians towards the respondents was good. Laboratory investigations were conducted in reasonable time and they were able to see the doctors in the same day.

Nutritionists and psychologists were generally not available and if available were not involved in ANC. The standard of cleanliness in the centers was high. Follow up cards system were available and the cards were kept by the pregnant women. However, personal files for proper follow up were not available in the three health centers.

Relevant recommendations that include improved quality of ANC to conform to WHO standards were made. Those should be evaluated periodically in the three health centers.