Factors influencing late antenatal care of Muslim pregnant women: A predictive correlational study in Aceh, Indonesia

Background: Late antenatal care (ANC) has significant implications for maternal and infant
morbidity and mortality among Muslim pregnant women in Indonesia. Existing literature has
primarily focused on gestational weeks at the first ANC contact, with limited attention to the
total number of ANC visits.
Objective: This study aimed to explore the factors predicting late antenatal care contact
among Muslim pregnant women, including the gestational weeks of the first ANC contact and
the total number of ANC visits in Aceh, Indonesia.
Methods: A predictive correlational study design was utilized. Eighty postpartum women who
received late ANC were purposively sampled and included in the study. Data were collected in
May 2023 using ANC knowledge, beliefs, and social support questionnaires. Statistical
analyses included descriptive statistics, Spearman’s rank correlation, Chi-Square tests, and
binary logistic regression with the enter method.
Results: Pregnant women residing farther from home to ANC services were more likely to
have their first ANC contact after 20 weeks than those with a shorter distance (AOR = 1.06;
95% CI: 1.02-1.10; p = 0.007). Additionally, women with a history of multiple abortions were
more inclined to have four or more ANC visits compared to those with fewer abortions (AOR =
6.78; 95% CI: 1.64-28.09; p = 0.008).
Conclusion: Distance from home to healthcare services emerged as a significant barrier to
ANC contact, while a history of abortion appeared to motivate pregnant women to seek ANC
more frequently. To address these issues effectively, nurses should consider implementing
telemedicine services for ANC provision, integrating information on pregnancy complications
to better support pregnant women in their care journey.