With knowledge and support women can attend antenatal care : the views of women in IDP camps in Somaliland

• In Somaliland, women’s perceptions of barriers to accessing antenatal care is sparsely described, particularly with regard to marginalized women. The aim was to investigate perceptions of barriers to accessing antenatal care from the perspective of pregnant women living in Internal Displaced Persons camps. Individual semi-structured interviews with fifteen women were conducted and analysed using content analysis. The overriding theme was “With knowledge and support, women can attend antenatal care”.  The findings highlighted that to obtain antenatal care, it is crucial for women to have knowledge and trust regarding antenatal services, a supporting environment, and ways to overcome practical barriers, such as patient fees and long waiting hours. If women and families received relevant information about the structure and benefits of ANC, they would probably prioritize ANC, given that the care is tailored to each woman’s needs. For this, community awareness and trust between women, families and ANC providers are central.

Subject headings

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Hälsovetenskap (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Health Sciences (hsv//eng)

Keyword

Antenatal care

Content analysis

Somaliland

Health and Welfare

Hälsa och välfärd

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)