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Facilitators and barriers to seeking and engaging with antenatal care in high-income countries: A meta-synthesis of qualitative research

The reasons why women seek or delay attending antenatal care are multifactorial. Barriers include sociodemographic factors, difficulties navigating the health system, administrative delays, lack of flexibility and tailored care, constant change of carer and communication issues.

Authors
Tamara Escañuela Sánchez, Laura Linehan, Keelin O'Donoghue, Sarah Meaney
Year
2022
Journal Name
Health and Social Care in the Community
Category
Journal Article
Keywords
Awareness / Knowledge, Experience, Stillbirth
Project
RELEVANT
Full Citation
Escañuela Sánchez T, Linehan L, O’Donoghue K, Byrne M, Meaney S. Facilitators and barriers to seeking and engaging with antenatal care in high-income countries: A meta-synthesis of qualitative research. Health & Social Care in the Community. 2022;1-19. https://doi.org/10.1111/hsc.14072.
Link to Publication
https://doi.org/10.1111/hsc.14072

Abstract

We know from previous research that not attending the recommended number of antenatal visits during pregnancy can increase the risk of stillbirth. This is because antenatal care provides healthcare professionals an opportunity to identify potential problems during the pregnancy that can be addressed, however, when women do not attend their appointments, this opportunity is missed. This study aimed to better understand what influences women’s decisions to attend antenatal care. We found that lots of different factors influence women’s behaviours when it comes to engaging with antenatal care. Barriers include sociodemographic factors, difficulties navigating the health system, administrative delays, lack of flexibility and tailored care, constant change of carer and communication issues. Women said that dealing with empathetic and sensitive healthcare professionals and having social support was very helpful. In order to address this issue, all aspects in a woman’s life need to be addressed, from her own beliefs to wider influences in society.

Pregnancy Loss Research Group

Pregnancy Loss Research Group, Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University College Cork, Fifth Floor, Cork University Maternity Hospital, Wilton, Cork, T12 YE02, Ireland,

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