Antenatal care in Goroka: issues and perceptions.

The high maternal mortality rate in Papua New Guinea indicates an urgent need for action. One area for examination is antenatal care. From April 2002 to August 2002 a qualitative study was undertaken in order to identify perceptions, beliefs, barriers and strengths relevant to the utilization of antenatal care by women in the urban, periurban and rural communities of Goroka, Papua New Guinea.