Maternal factors associated with antenatal care attendance: Nationally representative cross-sectional survey in Mexico.

Abstract

To evaluate the association between maternal factors and the timing of initiation and the number of antenatal care (ANC) visits. This is an analytical cross-sectional study using data from a nationally representative survey in Mexico. The analysis included 1329 women aged 14-49 years. Information on prenatal care during the last pregnancy was collected. The timing of the first prenatal visit was classified as early (≤3 months) or late (>3 months), and the number of prenatal contacts was categorized as <8 or ≥8. Available sociodemographic variables were described, and associations were assessed using logistic regression models. The prevalence of early initiation of ANC and attending eight or more ANC contacts was 81.8% and 86.4%, respectively. Women between 20 and 34 years of age (OR = 2.66; 95% Confidence interval [CI] =1.21-5.85) and 35 to 49 years of age (OR = 4.12; 95% CI: 1.78-9.56) were more likely to initiate ANC early. Women with higher educational levels (OR = 2.77; 95% CI: 1.42-5.40), residents of metropolitan areas (OR = 1.89; 95% CI: 1.18-3.03), and those who started prenatal care early (OR = 6.02; 95% CI: 4.12-8.79) were likelier to have eight or more prenatal care visits. This study found maternal age, education, and residence area significantly influence ANC initiation and frequency. These results highlight the need for tailored strategies to reduce disparities in ANC access and adherence. The findings can inform policies aimed at improving ANC coverage among vulnerable populations.