Quality assessment of antenatal care services in four primary health care centers in Cairo, Egypt

Abstract

The current study aimed to measure the perceived quality of ANC among pregnant women and their satisfaction as well as, measuring the adherence of the primary care position to the MOH guidelines. It was conducted from January till April 2021 among women aged 18-49 years old who attend antenatal care clinics at four primary health centres in Cairo, Egypt. All health centres included in the study are government run facilities. Despite the high overall satisfaction (98%) reported for the antenatal care services, the total quality score was low (<60%), the highest satisfaction was reported from most of accessibility point and cleanliness of the primary care centers, answering inquiries, number of the doctors, discussion of the delivery plan, health education about importance of folic acid and iron supplements, family planning and cost of the service. Lowest satisfaction reported from the PHC was for working hours of the center, history taking, examination time, health education about diet, breastfeeding, and the harmful effects of passive smoking. Although most women reported that they had the majority of the Egyptian antenatal guidelines covered by their physician, items like past medical history, personal hygiene and oral glucose challenge test were missed.