RISK FACTORS FOR NON-ATTENDANCE OF ANTENATAL CLASSES: A CASE-CONTROL STUDY

Abstract

Introduction: Antenatal classes help expectant parents prepare for childbirth and life with a newborn. In developing nations, only 65% of women receive antenatal care, compared to 97% in developed countries. Women participate in antenatal education for various reasons. Most research has focused on its role in helping women manage labor. Nonetheless, several quantitative studies show first-time parents desire equal attention to postnatal topics in antenatal classes. Literature reveals that non-attendance at antenatal classes remains poorly explored. Our goal is to identify risk factors linked to not attending antenatal education classes. Materials and methods: This is a case-control study conducted from January 2021 to June 2021 in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (O & G), Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH), Karachi. The study included a total of 362 pregnant women having antenatal care at AKUH who have attended antenatal classes and have not attended antenatal classes offered at AKUH. A total of 181 women were included in each group. Results: Most of the primparous women (84%) attended antenatal classes and majority of multiparous (62%) did not attend antenatal classes. The factors associated with non-attendance of antenatal classes were younger age (OR= 1.16), multiparity (OR= 8.51) lower level of women's education (OR= 1.40) lower level of husband's education (OR= 2.59) and unemployment of women (OR= 0.34). The most common reasons for not attending antenatal classes were lack of interest (18.2%), followed by inconvenient timing (7.7%), and too expensive to attend (3.3%). Conclusion: The findings of our research indicated that having multiple pregnancies was the most significant factor contributing to the non-attendance of antenatal classes. It is important to give special attention to women during antenatal visits so that education on childbirth and parenting can be tailored to meet their specific needs.