Abstract
BACKGROUND: Antenatal care (ANC) is a healthcare service designed to ensure a safe pregnancy. The World Health Organization recommends that pregnant women have at least four ANC visits for a healthy pregnancy. However, it is unclear whether this guideline is being followed in Mogadishu, Somalia. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the factors that influence ANC attendance among pregnant women in Mogadishu, Somalia. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted at two hospitals, involving 329 pregnant women in their third trimester. Data were collected using structured questionnaires through face-to-face interviews. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS 26, using descriptive statistics and logistic regression to assess the association between variables, with a significance level set at a p-value of less than .05. RESULTS: Only 14% of women met the recommended minimum for ANC visits. Nulliparous women were less likely to attend ANC compared to those with children (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 0.1, p = .031). In contrast, women receiving home visits from healthcare workers had higher odds of attending ANC (AOR = 8.3, p < .001). Those who felt their appointments were too short also had lower odds of attending ANC (AOR = 0.3, p = .007). CONCLUSION: Many pregnant women do not attend ANC services as the World Health Organization recommends, which suggests at least four visits. Factors influencing attendance include parity, healthcare worker home visits, and perceived appointment quality. Improving these factors, particularly home visits and appointment durations, could enhance ANC attendance.