Antenatal care strengthening for improved health behaviours in Jimma, Ethiopia, 2009-2011: An effectiveness study.

Introduction: health systems in low-income settings are not sufficiently reaching the poor, and global disparities in reproductive health persist. The frequency and quality of health education during antenatal care is often low. Further studies are needed on how to improve the performance of health systems in low income settings to improve maternal and child health.

Antenatal care strengthening for improved quality of care in Jimma, Ethiopia: an effectiveness study.

Background: Interventions for curing most diseases and save lives of pregnant and delivering women exist, yet the power of health systems to deliver them to those in most need is not sufficient. The aims of this study were to design a participatory antenatal care (ANC) strengthening intervention and assess the implementation process and effectiveness on quality of ANC in Jimma, Ethiopia.

Methods: The intervention comprised trainings, supervisions, equipment, development of health education material, and adaption of guidelines.

Antenatal care strengthening in Jimma, Ethiopia: a mixed-method needs assessment.

Objective: We assessed how health system priorities matched user expectations and what the needs for antenatal care (ANC) strengthening were for improved maternal health in Jimma, Ethiopia.

Methods: A questionnaire survey among all recent mothers in the study area was conducted to study the content of ANC and to identify the predictors of low ANC satisfaction. Further, a qualitative approach was applied to understand perceptions, practices, and policies of ANC.