Time Spent on Antenatal Care in Tanzania
Author Information
Author(s): Claudia von Both, Steffen Fleßa, Ahmad Makuwani, Rose Mpembeni, Albrecht Jahn
Primary Institution: Ruprecht-Karls-University, University of Greifswald, Muhimbili University College of Health Sciences
Hypothesis
How much time do health services spend on antenatal care compared to the new focused antenatal care model requirements?
Conclusion
The introduction of focused antenatal care could improve maternal health in Tanzania, but it requires more time and resources than currently available.
Supporting Evidence
- Health workers currently spend an average of 15 minutes on a first visit and 9 minutes on revisits for antenatal care.
- The focused antenatal care model requires an estimated 46 minutes for a first visit and 36 minutes for a revisit.
- Counselling is identified as a major gap in current antenatal care practices.
Takeaway
This study looked at how long health workers spend helping pregnant women and found that a new way of doing things will take more time and effort.
Methodology
Health workers were observed providing antenatal care in four dispensaries, measuring the time spent on various service components.
Limitations
The study may not fully represent all antenatal care practices across Tanzania due to the limited number of observed dispensaries.
Participant Demographics
Participants included health workers with 2 to 4 years of professional training and pregnant women aged 16 to 44 years, mostly multiparous.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website