Objectives: To describe the socio-demographic characteristics and utilization pattern of antenatal care of reproductive age group women (15-49 years) in an urban squatter settlement of Karachi and to assess and compare the knowledge on antenatal care between women who received and those who did not receive antenatal care.
Methods: A community-based cross sectional survey was conducted and a sample of 323 women was taken through systematic sampling. Two hundred ninety five (295) women were interviewed and 28 were excluded, as they never experienced a pregnancy. Socio-demographic characteristics and knowledge about antenatal care were compared on the basis of having received and not having received antenatal care, utilizing bivariate and multivariate analysis.
Results: Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that higher income women were twice likely to use antenatal care services (AOR=2.11 95% Cl 1.14-3.89) than those of lower income. Women receiving antenatal care were more knowledgeable about the importance of dietary protein (AOR=1 .97 95% Cl 1.16-3.33), intake of green leafy vegetables for the prevention of anemia (AOR=2.34 95% Cl 1.33-4.11), and reporting danger signs (AOR=2.25 95% Cl 1.07-4.74).
Conclusion:Women of reproductive age need to recognize the importance of receiving antenatal care in the community. Uplifting the socio-economic status and literacy rate of women is required to provide community based education. There is a potential need to increase nutrition education, highlighting the importance of iron supplementation, appropriate food during pregnancy recognition of signs and symptoms and danger signs and pregnancy (JPMA 53:47;2003).