Analysis of Factors Associated with the Completion of the First Antenatal Care Visit during the First Trimester of Pregnancy in the Analamanga Region, Madagascar: A Cross-Sectional Study
Rafamatanantsoa Jean Florent*, Randrianiaina Henintsoa Nantenaina, Andrianantoandro Voahirana Tantely, Ramiaramanana Jeannot and Ravaoarisoa Lantonirina
December 07, 2025
Abstract
Introduction: The first antenatal care is of particular importance, as it marks the beginning of the continuum of maternal care. The world health organization recommends that it take place before the twelfth week of pregnancy, that is, during the first trimester. This study aims to identify the factors associated with the completion of the first antenatal care visit during the first trimester of pregnancy in the Analamanga region.
Materials and Methods: This is an analytical cross-sectional study of mothers who gave birth in the two months prior to data collection, which took place from October 21 to December 21, 2024. The adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with its 95% confidence interval was used to identify these factors, with a significance threshold set at p ≤ 0.05.
Results: 246 mothers were included, with a mean age (standard deviation) of 26.49 (6.95) years. Several factors were associated with the completion of the first antenatal care during the first trimester of pregnancy, such as urban residence (AOR[95% CI]=11.44 [1.19-109.71]), absence of a main occupation (AOR[95% CI] =11.79 [1.70-81.37]), participation in agricultural activity (AOR[95% CI]=9.81 [1.69-56.70]), household with an average budget allocated to health (AOR[95% CI]=29.21 [1.47-578.84]), media and family as sources of information on ANC with respective AOR [95% CI] of 39.86 [3.54-447.92] and 25.22 [2.09-304.50].
Conclusion: Promoting the first antenatal care during the first trimester requires a multi-sectoral, concerted and sustainable approach involving policymakers, healthcare providers and communities.
Keywords: Factors associated; First antenatal care; Higher education level; Madagascar; Urban residence
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