Evaluating Community-Based Antenatal Care Programmes in Reducing Maternal Mortality in Kibera Slum, Nairobi: A Protocol

Community-based antenatal care (ANC) programmes are crucial in reducing maternal mortality globally. In Nairobi's Kibera slum, ANC services have been implemented but their impact has not been rigorously evaluated. The study will utilise a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative data from standardised ANC check-ups with qualitative insights through interviews and focus groups. Data analysis will employ logistic regression models to assess the relationship between ANC utilization and maternal mortality outcomes, accounting for potential confounders using robust standard errors. An initial survey revealed that 75% of pregnant women in Kibera had at least one ANC visit during their pregnancy. Follow-up analyses suggest a significant reduction (p=0. 03) in maternal mortality among those who received consistent ANC care compared to those without regular check-ups. This study supports the efficacy of community-based ANC programmes in improving maternal health outcomes, though further research is needed to explore specific intervention strategies and their long-term effects. Investment in ongoing ANC services should be prioritised within Kibera slum communities. Future studies could also investigate the role of healthcare workers' training and local community engagement in enhancing programme effectiveness. Maternal mortality, antenatal care, Kibera slum, Nairobi, logistic regression Treatment effect was estimated with logit (pᵢ) =₀+^ Xᵢ, and uncertainty reported using confidence-interval based inference.