The Antenatal Care Services at 12 District Hospitals in Khon Kaen

Abstract

Objective to study the antenatal care services available and actually received by clients at district hospitals.

Subjects and methods 768 pregnant women who attended the antenatal care clinics of 12 district hospitals in February 1996. Data were collected from 64 subjects in each hospital by interviewing, direct observation and reviewing the medical records.

Results The mean working time for antenatal care services (ANC) was 10.1 hours per week. Most of the activities were carried out by nurses and midwives. Basic ANC services were offered with the exceptions of vaginal examination, Pap smear and Urinary tract infection (UTI) screening. Colposcopic examination and alfa-feto protein test were not available even in high risk cases. The average age and height of the women who attended the clinics were 24.2 years and 154.4 centimeters. The average gestational age at first visit was 15 weeks. Most pregnant women received the basic ANC services, including the laboratory tests other than Pap smears and UTI screening. Preconception counselling and recommendation for contraception rates were given in 8.5% and 57.8% of cases, respectively.

Conclusion Most of the basic ANC services were provided in all clinics. The services which should be provided routinely but were provided limitedly include vaginal examination, UTI screening, Pap smear and preconception care. Therefore the content of the ANC services should included few more services activities.