Perception of antenatal care service utilization among pregnant and postpartum women of Rural Municipality and Pokhara Metropolitan city , Kaski : A comparative study.

Research Report.

ABSTRACT: Research title: Perception of ANC service utilization among pregnant and postpartum women of Rupa Rural Municipality and Pokhara Metropolitan city, Kaski: a comparative study This study was performed to assess and compare the perception of pregnant and postpartum women of Rupa Rural Municipality and Pokhara Metropolitan City, Kaski on ANC service utilization. This study found that most women from both settings had positive perception about receiving ANC. The findings of this study have been divided into 4 core themes, a. perceived knowledge about ANC and its importance, b. problems faced by women during pregnancy and childbirth, c. perceived barriers and enablers to accessing antenatal care, and d. strategies to increase utilization of antenatal care services. The study was conducted in Rupa Rural Municipality and Pokhara Metropolitan city of Kaski district for rural and urban samples respectively. The sampling of the study populations i.e., pregnant and post-partum mothers was done using purposive sampling. Open-ended, semi-structured interviews were conducted till the information reached saturation point. Focus group discussions, FGDs in addition with In-Depth Interviews, IDIs were conducted to enable triangulation of data in this study to ensure the validity and reliability. The data was collected from August 30 to September 14, 2019. Data analysis was performed by using a framework method of content analysis and systematically organized research data. Analysis was performed using MS Word, MS-Excel and NVivo 10. Keywords: Maternal health, antenatal care, women's perceptions, pregnant, postpartum.